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(aniDer0itp  of  Boxth  Carolina 


Collection  ot  jI3ort8  Caroliniana 
%W  book  toa0  presented 


UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 

00032195286 

This  book  must  not 
be  taken  from  the 
Library  building. 


WINFIELD  SCOTT, 


1 


rMN.   ^  U  VK'T 


:  I.  /■  ■  o/ 


:vr-t' 


THE    LIVES 


¥OFIELD  SCOTT 


ANDREW  JACKSON, 


J.  T.  HEADLEY, 

'AUTHOK  of  napoleon  and  his  marshals,"   "WASHINGTON  AND  HIS  GENEEALS," 

&c.,  &c.,  &c. 


NEW  YORK : 
CHARLES  SCRIBNER,  145  NASSAU  STREET. 

1852. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  by 

CHAELES    SCEIBNER, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


Stereotyped  and  Printed  by 

C.   W.  BENEDICT, 
201  WiUiam  Street,  N.  T. 


PREFACE. 


The  following  is  designed  to  be  the  commencement  of  a 
series  of  biographical  sketches  of  distinguished  men  of  the 
present  generation.  The  extent  to  which  it  is  carried  will  de- 
pend entirely  on  the  success  that  attends  it.  There  are  many 
deserving  a  place  in  history,  whose  lives,  nevertheless,  do  not 
furnish  sufficient  material  for  a  complete  book.  These  will  be 
grouped  together  as  circumstances  may  determine.  No  at- 
tempt has  been  made  to  give  the  various  officers  which  served 
under  Generals  Scott  and  Jackson,  their  proper  praise.  This 
belongs  to  their  individual  sketches,  or  general  history  of  the 
war.  Scott  and  Jackson  are  here  placed  together,  as  the  two 
military  men  who  have  made  the  deepest  impressions  on  their 
country  since  the  time  of  "Washington.  No  other  two  have 
t^  given  it  such  character  at  home,  or  reputation  abroad.  Dif- 
HJ  fering  widely  in  some  characteristics,  they  were  very  similar  in 
C>»       others. 


VI  TREFACE. 

To  those  "who  may  suspect  the   writer  of  endeavoring  to 
■wield   a  poHtical  influence,  he   would  say,  that  one  of  these 
biographies  was  completed,  and  the  other  begun,  and  the  con- 
tract for  both  made  before  either  party  had  nominated  its  can- 
didate.    Political  matters  had  nothing  to  do  "with  their  pro- 
duction.    The  materials  for  them  have  been  accumulating  for 
nearly  ten  years,  and  there  seems  to  be  no  reason  why  a  pub- 
lication should  be  deferred,  because  the  unexpected  conjunc- 
tion of  political  events  might  give  it,  for  the  time  being,  a 
partizan  character.     If  pohtical  pamphleteering  had  been  the 
object,  the  sketch  of  Gen.  Scott  would  have  been  used  alone 
long  ago,  and  scattered  on  the  wings  of  the  wind.     But  if 
men  will  insist  that  the  time  of  its  appearance  is  injudicially 
chosen,  the  work  will  be  compelled  to  wrap  itself  up  in  its  own 
rights,  and  falling  back  on  the  great  laws  of  'j^recedence,  adduce 
the  English  Constitution,  the  usage  of  all  nations,  as  proof  that 
the  parties  should  retire  till  its  brief  existence  is  run.     In  other 
words,  the  hook  has  the  floor,  and  the  speaker's  hammer  must 
protect  its  rights. 

Thus  much  may  be  said  without  blame  ;  but  a  writer  may 
go  farther,  and  insist  that  any  time  is  proper  in  which  to  nar- 
rate the  deeds  of  a  man  who  has  deserved  well  of  his  country. 
If  his  actions  are  worthy  of  record,  the  most  appropriate  mo- 
ment for  brino-inoj  them  forward  is  when  he  is  about  to  receive 
the  reward  of  his  deeds.  There  is  a  wide  difference  between 
writing  a  man  into  eminence,  because  unforeseen  occurrences 
may  place  him  in  pohtical  power,  and  in  defending  and  prais- 
ing one  whose  claims  to  immortality  neither  present  success  nor 
failure  can  affect. 

Many  officers  under  Scott  have  been  consulted  in  preparing 


PEEFACE.  Vii 

this  biography,  while  Mansfield's  History  of  the  Mexican  War 
is  referred  to  as  the  best,  or,  indeed,  the  only  reliable  authority 
in  the  great  movements  and  features  of  the  campaign. 

Kendell's  and  Jenkins'  Life  of  Jackson,  newspapers  of  the 
time,  Niles'  Register,  etc.,  are  the  chief  sources  of  information 
in  sketching  the  hfe  of  Jackson. 


CONTENTS 


WINFIELD  SCOTT. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Scott's  Birth  and  Parentage — Became  a  Lawyer — Enters  the  Army— Hia 
Trial  by  Court-martial,  and  Suspension — His  Studies — Ee-enters  the  Army 
— Battle  of  Queenstown — Scott  a  Prisoner — Conflict  with  two  Indians — 
Protection  of  his  Irish  Soldiers — Attack  and  Capture  of  Fort  George,       .       18 

CHAPTER  H. 

Scott  superintends  the  Camp  of  Instruction  at  Buffalo— Drills  the  Army- 
Crosses  the  Niagara — Pursues  the  Marquis  of  Tweesdale  behind  the  Chip- 
pewa—Battle  of  Chippewa— Company  of  Backwoodsmen— Battle  of  Niagara 
— Charge  of  Miller — Scott's  "Wound  and  Last  Orders — Journey  to  "Wash- 
ington— Eeception  at  Princeton — Black  Hawk  "War — Scott  amid  the 
Cholera — Is  challenged  by  Jackson — Becomes  interested  in  the  cause  of 
Temperance — Takes  command  in  South  Carolina  to  crush  the  Disunionists 
— Settles  the  Difficulties  on  the  Northern  Frontier — Pursues  the  Chero- 
kees. ,86 

CHAPTER   HI. 

Scott  preserves  peace  on  the  Maine  boundary-'-Friendship  between  him  and 
the    Governor   of  New   Brunswick— Appomted    Commander-in-Chief— 


X  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Treatment  at  "Washington — Takes  charge  of  the  Army  in  Mexico — Mar- 
tial Law  orders — Fire  in  the  Eear — Landing  at  Vera  Cruz — The  Siege  and 
Capture  of  the  City— March  to  Cerro  Gordo— The  Battle— Entrance  of 
Jalapa — Of  Puehla — Reduction  of  the  ^irmy,  70 

CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Army  at  Puebla — ^Description  of  the  Scenery — Arrival  of  Eeinforce- 
ments — Departure  for  Mexico — Ascent  to  the  Cordilleras — Magnificent 
Scenery— First  View  of  the  Plain  and  City  of  Mexico — The  Eoad  found 
Impassible — Difficult  March  round  Lake  Chalco  to  the  Acapulco  Eoad — 
Attack  on  Contreras — Suffering  and  Anxiety  of  the  Army  at  Night- 
Storming  of  the  Fort — Enthusiastic  Eeception  of  Scott  by  his  Victorious 
Troops— San  Antonio  Taken— The  Three  Battles  of  Churubusco— The 
Flight  and  Pursuit— Scott  after  Battle— The  Mexicans  propose  an  Armis- 
tice,     98 

CHAPTER  V. 

The  Armistice — Scott  resolves  to  carry  Chapultepec  by  Storm — Description 
of  the  Fortress— Battle  of  Molino  del  Eey— The  Field  after  the  Victory— 
The  Condition  and  Prospects  of  the  Army  at  this  time — Misbehavior  of 
the  Government — Defence  of  Scott— His  Plan  of  assaulting  Chapultepec— 
Day  preceding  the  Battle— The  Final  Attack, 130 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Jackson's  Boyhood— Left  an  Orphan— His  Mother— Massacre  at  Washaw — 
At  thirteen  becomes  a  Soldier— First  Battle — His  Courage — Taken  Prisoner 
—His  Eepublican  Spirit— Is  'Wounded- Presence  of  Mind— Digs  through 
his  prison  walls  to  see  Greene's  Encampment — Hobkirk-hill — His  Release 
and  Eeturu  Home— Heroism  of  his  Mother— Visits  Charleston— Studies 


CONTENTS.  xi 


Law— Eemoves  to  Teniiessee— Fights  a  Bnlly— Pursued  by  Indians— His 
Chivalry— Jealousy  of  Eobards— Marries  Mrs.  Eobards— Dailng  Arrest- 
Attacked  by  a  mob— Becomes  a  Farmer— Duel  -with  Dickinson — Ilis  failure 
— Defends  the  -wronged— Care  of  tho  Sick — Tecumseh— His  Eloquence — 
Massacre  of  Fort  Mimms — Jackson  enters  the  Creek  Country— Attacks 
the  Indians— The  Battle— Distress  of  his  Troops— Mutiny  in  his  Army- 
Quells  a  Mutiny— A  second  Mutiny — Defeats  the  Indians — Attacked  by 
Indians— Reinforcements — Battle  of  the  Horse  Shoe— Saves  a  "V^arrior- 
Ends  the  "VVar- His  Eesolution, 203 


CHAPTER  II. 

Appointed  Major- General — Attack  on  Fort  Bowyer- March  on  Pensacola — 
Advances  to  New  Orleans — Excitement  in  the  City — Landing  of  the  British 
— Jackson's  Night  Attack — Eesolves  to  Entrench  himself—Turns  the  Le- 
gislature out  of  doors— British  advance  to  the  Assault  and  are  Eepulsed — 
Second  Attack — Arrival  of  Eeinforcements,  and  Final  Battle — Jackson 
Fined  by  Judge  Hall — Eeturns  Home — Sent  to  Quell  the  Indians  in  Florida 
— Conduct  there — ^Appointed  Governor — Elected  to  the  United  States 
Senate — Democratic  Candidate  for  President— Elected  President— Veto  of 
United  States  Bank— Elected  for  a  Second  Term— Arrests  the  Spirit  of 
Disunion — Eeview  of  his  Administration — He  retires  to  Private  Life — His 
Last  Illness  and  Death, 291 


WINFIELD  SCOTT. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Scott's  Birth  and  Parentage— Became  a  La-vryer— Enters  the  Army— His  Trial  by 
Court-martial  and  Suspension— His  Studies— Ee-enters  the  Army— Battle  of 
Queenstown— Scott  a  Prisoner— Conflict  with  Two  Indians— Protection  of  his 
Irish  Soldiers— Attack  and  Capture  of  Fort  George. 

WiNFiELD  Scott  was  born  on  the  ISth  of  June,  1786, 
near  Petersburgh,  Yirginia.  His  ancestors  were 
Scotch.  The  elder  brother  of  his  grandfather  fell  on 
the  field  of  Culloden  ;  and  the  latter,  involved  in  the 
same  rebellion,  emigrated  to  this  country,  and  com- 
menced the  practice  of  law  in  Yirginia.  He  lived, 
however,  but  a  few  years,  leaving  two  sons  and  several 
daughters.  "Winfield  was  the  youngest  of  the  sons, 
and  was  only  five  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his 
father's  death.  Twelve  years  after,  the  wife  followed 
the  husband  to  the  grave,  and  young  Scott,  seventeen 
years  old,  was  left  an  orphan  in  the  world.  It  was 
determined  by  those  who  had  the  charge  of  him,  to 
give  him  an  education,  and  he  was  placed  at  a  High 
School  in  Kichmond,  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Ogilvie, 


14  ^YINTTELD    SCOTT. 

a  man  of  distinction.  Thence  lie  went  to  William  and 
Marj's  College,  and  attended  law  lectures  for  a  year 
or  more.  He  finished  his  legal  studies  under  Mr. 
Robertson,  a  Scotchman,  and  in  1S06  was  admitted 
to  the  bar.  He  had  galloped  through  his  course  at 
a  pace  that  precluded  thoroughness,  and  proper  fit- 
ness for  his  profession.  Preparatory  studies,  college, 
law  course,  and  all,  occupied  only  .three  years,  and  at 
the  age  of  twenty  he  was  a  practising  lawyer.  The 
rapidity  with  which  be  disposed  of  the  piles  of 
learning,  ordinarily  deemed  essential  to  a  finished 
lawyer,  remind  one  of  Goldsmith,  who  went  through 
the  whole  circle  of  sciences  in  Edinburgh  in  six 
months. 

Not  succeeding  very  well  around  his  native  place, 
young  Scott  removed  to  Charleston,  in  the  hopes  of 
establishing  himself  there  ;  but  the  laws  of  the  State 
forbade  any  one  to  practise  law  within  its  limits  who 
had  not  been  a  resident  for  at  least  one  year,  and 
failing  to  obtain  an  exemption  in  his  favor,  he 
abandoned  his  project,  and  returned  to  Yirginia.  At 
this  time  the  troubles  with  England  began  to  assume 
a  more  serious  character,  and  the  expectation  became 
general  that  they  would  end  in  war.  Scott  shared  in 
this  expectation,  and  like  many  other  gallant  young 
men  of  the  south,  turned  from  the  profession  of  law  to 
the  army.  In  the  spring  of  1808,  a  bill  for  the  en- 
largement of  the  army  piissed  Congress,  and  Scott, 


TEIED   BY    COURT   MAKTIAL.  15 

who  liad  applied  for  a  commission  in  the  new  regi- 
ments, was  appointed  a  captain  of  light  artillery. 
During  this  year  the  purchase  of  Louisiana  from 
France  was  effected,  and  General  "Wilkinson  was 
stationed  there  to  protect  New  Orleans  from  any 
hostile  acts  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain.  Scott  be- 
longed to  his  division.  The  next  year  Hampton 
assumed  the  command,  though  "Wilkinson  remained 
on  the  field  of  operations.  Scott,  coinciding  wit]^ 
those  who  believed  that  Wilkinson  was  in  Burr's  con- 
fidence, and  hence  involved  in  the  conspiracy  of  the 
latter,  indulged  rather  freely  in  remarks  on  his  supe- 
rior oflScer.  As  a  natural  consequence,  he  was  arrested 
and  tried  by  court-martial.  The  first  charge,  intended 
as  a  mere  rider  to  the  second,  that  he  had  intention- 
ally withheld  money  from  his  troops,  was  declared 
groundless.  The  second,  of  unoflScer-like  conduct  in 
using  disrespectful  language  towards  his  superior 
oflScer,  was  sustained,  for  Scott  acknowledged  it,  and 
attempted  to  justify  it.  Failing  in  this,  he  was  sus- 
pended from  the  army  for  one  year.  To  a  sensitive, 
ambitious  young  officer,  panting  for  distinction,  this 
arrest  of  his  footsteps  on  the  threshold  of  his  career, 
was  painful  in  the  extreme ;  yet  he  lived  to  be  thank- 
ful for  it.  Returning  to  "Virginia,  he  cast  about  to  see 
how  he  should  spend  the  interval  of  idleness.  His  for- 
tunate star  guided  him  to  B.  Watkins  Leigh,  who  ad- 
vised him  to  devote  himself  to  the  study  of  his  pro- 


16  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

fession, — especially  military  tactics.  He  offered  him 
bis  library  and  bis  bouse,  and  Scott  spent  tbe  year  in 
mastering  bis  profession.  Tbe  knowledge  of  military 
art  be  gained  during  tbis  period  of  bis  disgrace,  tbo 
caution  and  skill  it  taugbt  bim  to  mingle  witb  bis 
cbiYalric  feelings  and  boiling  courage,  laid  tbe  foun- 
dation of  bis  after  brilliant  career. 

Tbe  cloud  at  tbis  time  along  tbe  political  horizon 
gathered  thicker  and  darker  every  hour,  and  the 
young  captain  of  artillery  feared  it  would  burst  be- 
fore he  should  assume  his  place  and  rank.  The  hol- 
low, disgraceful  jieace,.  however,  continued,  and  at 
the  close  of  the  year  he  again  took  his  position  in 
the  army. 

The  next  year,  war  was  declared,  and  a  month 
after,  in  July,  he  was  commissioned  lieutenant-colo- 
nel in  the  2d  artillery,  then  under  the  command  of 
Izard,  and  was  ordered  to  the  Xiagara  frontier  to 
assist  the  army  of  invasion.  The  two  companies  of 
Towson  and  Barker  were  under  his  command,  with 
which  he  was  to  protect  the  navy  yard  at  Black 
Kock. 

At  this  time  the  northern  army,  numbering  be- 
tween eight  and  ten  thousand  soldiers,  was  princi- 
pally concentrated  in  two  points.  One  portion  lay 
near  Plattsburgh  and  Greenbush,  and  was  under  the 
direct  command  of  General  Dearborn,  who  was  also 
commander-in-chief  of  all  the  forces  on  the  northern 


AT   NIAOAKA.  17 

frontier.  The  other  portion  was  congregated  at 
Lewistown,  nnder  the  command  of  General  Stephen 
Yan  Eensalaer,  of  JSTew  York,  while  1,500  regulars, 
nnder  General  Smythe  lay  at  Buffalo,  a  few  miles 
distant.  Tliere  were  a  few  troops  stationed  also  at 
Ogdensburg,  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  Black  Kock. 

The  discontent  produced  by  Hull's  surrender,  and 
the  loud  com]3laints  against  the  inaction  of  the 
northern  army,  together  with  the  consciousness  that 
something  must  be  done  to  prevent  the  first  year  of 
war  from  closing  in  unmixed  gloom,  induced  General 
Yan  Rensalaer  to  make  a  bold  push  into  Canada, 
and  by  a  sudden  blow  attempt  to  wrest  Jamestown 
from  the  enemy,  and  there  establish  his  winter 
quarters. 

The  cutting  out  of  two  English  brigs*  from  under 
the  guns  of  Fort  Erie,  by  Lieutenant  Elliot  with  some 
fifty  volunteers,  created  an  enthusiasm  in  the  Amer- 
ican camp  of  which  Gen.  Yan  Eensalaer  determined 
to  avail  himself. 

Giving  the  command  of  the  expedition  to  his 
cousin.  Col.  Solomon  Yan  Eensalaer,  a  brave  and 
chivalric  officer,  the  latter  on  the  13th  of  October, 
at  the  head  of  three  hundred  militia,  accompanied 
by  Col.  Chrystie  with  three  hundred  regular  troops, 

*  One  of  those,  the  Caledonia,  afterwards  did  good  service  as  a 
part  of  the  fleet  of  Perry  on  Lake  Erie.  The  other  having  gone 
aground,  was  burnt,  to  prevent  recapture. 


18  AVINFIELD   SCOTT. 

"began  to  cross  tlie  river.  It  wanted  still  an  lioiir 
to  dayliglit,  when  the  two  columns  stood  in  battle 
array  on  the  shore.  Through  carelessness  or  inabil- 
ity to  obtain  them  there  were  not  sufficient  boats  to 
take  all  over  at  once,  and  they  were  compelled  to 
cross  in  detachments.  The  boat  which  carried  Col. 
Chrystie  being  badly  managed,  was  swept  away  by 
the  current,  and  finally  compelled  to  re-land  on  the 
American  shore.  This  gallant  officer  was  wounded 
while  thus  drifting  in  the  stream,  yet  soon  after  he 
made  another  attempt  to  cross,  and  succeeding,  led 
his  troops  nobly  until  the  close  of  the  action. 

Col.  Yan  Rensalaer  having  effected  a  landing, 
formed  on  the  shore  and  marched  gallantly  forward. 
The  whole  force  at  this  time  did  not  exceed  one 
hundred  men.  These,  however,  were  led  up  the 
bank  and  halted  to  wait  the  arrival  of  the  other 
troops  that  kept  arriving,  a  few  boat  loads  at  a  time. 
But  daylight  now  having  dawned,  the  exposed  posi- 
tion of  this  detachment  rendered  it  a  fair  mark  for 
the  enemy,  who  immediately  opened  their  fire  upon 
it.  In  a  few  minutes  every  commissioned  officer 
was  either  killed  or  wounded.  Col.  Yan  Eensalaer 
finding  that  the  bank  of  the  river  afforded  very  lit- 
tle shelter,  determined  with  the  handful  under  his 
command,  to  storm  the  heights.  But  he  had  now 
received  four  wounds,  and  scarcely  able  to  stand, 


BATTLE   OF   QUEENSTOWN.  19 

gave  the  command  to  Captains  Ogilvie  and  Wool,^^' 
who  gallantly  led  on  and  swept  everything  before 
them.  The  fort  was  carried  and  the  heights  occu- 
pied, amid  the  loud  huzza  of  the  troops.  The  ene- 
my were  driven  into  a  strong  stone  house,  from  which 
they  made  two  unsuccessful  attempts  to  regain  the 
ground  they  had  lost.  Brock  flushed  with  the  easy 
victory  he  had  gained  over  Hull,  rallied  them  by  his 
presence,  and  while  attempting  to  lead  on  the  gren- 
adiers of  the  49th,  fell  mortally  wounded.  This  for 
a  time  gave  the  Americans  undisturbed  possession 
of  the  heights,  and  great  efforts  were  now  made  to 
bring  over  the  other  troops.  Gen.  Yan  Rensalaer, 
after  the  fall  of  his  cousin,  crossed  over  and  took  the 
command,  but  hastening  back  to  urge  on  the  em- 
barkation of  the  militia,  the  command  fell  on 
Gen.  Wadsworth,  who,  however,  cheerfully  gave 
the  control  of  the  movements  to  more  experienced 
oflicers. 

Daylight  had  seen  this  brave  little  Band  form  on 
the  shores  of  the  river  under  a  galling  fire,  the 
morning  sun  glittered  on  their  bayonets  from  the 
heights  of  Queenstown.  The  victory  seemed  won  ; 
and  the  day  so  gloriously  begun  would  have  closed 
in  brighter  effulgence,  had  not  the  militia  on  the 
farther  side  refused  to  cross  over  to  the  assistance 
of  their  hard-pressed  comrades.     A  stone  house  near 

*  Now  Geueral  Wool. 


20  "WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

the  bank  defended  by  two  liglit  pieces  of  artillery, 
still  played  on  tlie  boats  tliat  attempted  to  cross,  and 
the  Americans  on  the  Canada  side,  having  no  artil- 
lery, were  unable  to  take  it.  The  firing  from  this, 
and  soon  after  the  appearance  of  a  large  body  of 
Indians  on  the  field  of  battle,  so  frightened  the  mi- 
litia, that  neither  entreaties  nor  threats  could  induce 
them  to  embark.  Through  utter  want  of  orderly 
management,  half  of  the  twenty  boats  had  been 
destroyed  or  lost,  still  it  was  not  the  want  of  the 
means  of  transportation  that  held  them  back,  but 
conscientious  scrii])les  about  invading  an  enemy's 
territory.  Attempting  to  mask  their  cowardice  un- 
der this  ridiculous  plea  they  stood  and  saw  the  dan- 
gers thicken  around  their  comrades  who  had  relied 
on  their  support,  without  making  a  single  effort  to 
save  them  from  destruction. 

Lieutenant-colonel  Scott  by  a  forced  march  through 
mud  and  rain,  had  arrived  at  Lewistown  with  his 
regiment  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  just  as 
the  troops  were  embarking.  He  begged  permission 
to  take  part  in  the  expedition,  but  the  arrangements 
having  all  been  made,  his  request  was  denied.  He 
therefore  planted  his  guns  on  the  shore  and  opened 
his  fire  on  the  enemy.  But  seeing  how  small  a  pro- 
portion of  troops  were  got  across,  and  perceiving  also 
the  peril  of  Yan  Eensalaer's  detachment,  his  young 
and  gallant  heart  could  no  longer  allow  him  to  be  an 


TAKES   COMMAND   OF   THE   AEMT.  21 

idle  spectator,  and  taking  one  piece  of  artillery  he 
jumped  into  a  boat  with  his  adjutant  Koach,  and 
pushed  for  the  opposite  shore.  Wadsworth  imme- 
diately gave  the  command  of  the  troops  to  him,  and 
his  chivalric  bearing  and  enthusiastic  language  soon 
animated  every  heart  with  new  courage.  Six  feet 
five  inches  in  height  and  in  full  uniform,  he  pre- 
sented a  conspicuous  mark  for  the  enemy.  Had  his 
regiment  been  with  him,  Queensto^ai  would  have 
been  a  second  Chippewa. 

Considerable  reinforcements,  however,  had  ar- 
rived, swelling  the  number  to  six  hundred,  of  whom 
three  hundred  and  fifty  were  regular  troops.  Those, 
Scott,  assisted  by  the  cool  and  skilful  Caj)t.  Zitten, 
soon  placed  in  the  most  commanding  positions,  and 
waited  for  further  reinforcements.  Just  before,  a 
body  of  five  hundred  Indians,  whom  the  firing  had 
suddenly  collected,  joined  the  beaten  light  troops 
of  the  English.  Encouraged  by  this  accession  of 
strength,  the  latter  moved  again  to  the  assault, 
but  were  again  driven  back  in  confusion.  Still  the 
enemy  kept  up  a  desultory  engagement.  On  one 
occasion,  the  Indians,  issuing  suddenly  from  the 
forest,  surprised  a  picket  of  militia,  and  following 
hard  on  their  flying  tracks,  carried  consternation 
into  that  part  of  the  line.  Scott,  who  was  in  the 
rear,  showing  the  men  how  to  unspike  a  gun,  hear- 
ing the  tumult,  hastened  to  the  front,  and  rallying  a 


22  -WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

few  platoons,  scattered  those  wild  wamors  with  a 
single  blow.  But  while  the  day  was  wearing  away 
in  this  doubtful  manner,  a  more  formidable  foe  ap- 
peared on  the  field.  General  Sheaffe,  commanding 
at  Fort  George,  had  heard  the  firing  in  the  morning, 
and  a  little  later  the  news  of  the  death  of  Brock  was 
brought  him.  His  troops  were  immediately  put  in 
motion,  and  soon  after  midday  the  little  band  that 
had  from  day  dawn  bravely  breasted  the  storm,  saw 
from  the  heights  they  had  so  gallantly  won,  a  column 
eight  hundred  and  fifty  strong,  approaching  the  scene 
of  combat.  Isot  in  haste  or  confusion,  but  with  slow 
and  measured  tread,  they  continued  to  advance. 
The  three  hundred  Americans  watched  the  approach 
of  this  new  force  with  undaunted  hearts,  and 
tm-ned  to  catch  the  outlines  of  their  own  advancing 
columns,  but  not  a  bayonet  was  moving  to  their 
help.  At  this  critical  moment  news  arrived  of  the 
shameful  mutiny  that  had  broke  out  on  the  opposite 
shore.  The  entreaties  of  Yan  Bensalaer,  and  the 
noble  example  of  Wadsworth,  and  the  increasing 
peril  of  their  comrades,  were  wholly  unavailing — not 
a  soul  would  stir.  This  sealed  the  fate  of  the 
American  detachment.  Three  hundred,  sustained 
by  only  one  piece  of  artillery  against  the  thirteen 
hundred  of  the  enemy — their  number  when  the 
junction  of  the  advancing  column  with  the  remain- 
ing troops  and  the  Indian  allies  should  be  eifectcd — • 


SPEECH   TO   THE    TEOOrS.  23 

constituted  hopeless    odds.     General   Yan  Eensa- 
lear,  from  the  opposite  shore,  saw  this,  and   sent 
word  to   Wadsworth   to   retreat   at  once,   and    he 
would  send  every  boat  he  could  lay  hands  on  to 
receive  the  fugitives.     He  however,  left  everything 
to  his  own  judgment.    Colonels  Chrystie  and  Scott, 
of  the  regulars,  and  Mead,  Strahan,  and  Allen  of  the 
militia,  and  officers  Ogilvie,  Wool,  Totten,  and  Gib- 
son McChesney,  and  others,  presented  a  noble  yet 
sorrowful  group,  as  they  took  council  over  this  mes- 
sage of  the   commander-in-chief     Their  case  was 
desperate,  yet  they  could  not  make  up  their  minds 
to  retreat.     Col.  Scott  mounting  a  log  in  front  of  his 
troops,  harangued  them  in  a  strain  worthy  of  the 
days  of  chivalry.     He  told  them  their  condition  was 
desperate,  but  that  Hull's   surrender   must  be   re- 
deemed.    "  Let  us  then  die,"  he  exclaimed,  "  arms 
in  hand.     Our  country  demands  the  sacrifice.     The 
examiDle  will  not  be  lost.     The  blood  of  the  slain 
will  make  heroes  of  the  living.     Those  who  follow 
will  avenge   our  fall,  and  our   country's   wrongs. 
Who  dare  to  stand?"  a  loud  "All"  rang  sternly 
along  the  line.*     In  the  meantime  Gen.  Sheaffe  had 
arrived,  but  instead  of  advancing  immediately  to 
the  attack,  slowly  marched  his  column  the  whole 
length  of  the  American  line,  then  countermarched 
it,  as  if  to  make  sure  that  the  little  band  in  front 

*  Vide  Mansfield's  Life  of  Scott. 


24  WINTIELD    SCOTT. 

^vas  all  the  force  lie  had  to  overcome.  All  saw  at  a 
glance  that  resistance  was  useless,  and  retreat  almost 
as  lioj)eless.  The  latter,  however,  was  resolved  upon, 
but  the  moment  the  order  was  given  to  retire,  the 
whole  broke  in  disorderly  flight  towards  the  river. 
But  there  were  no  boats  to  receive  them,  and  a  flag 
of  truce  was  sent  to  tlie  enemy.  The  messenger, 
however,  never  returned  ;  another  and  another 
shared  the  same  fate.  At  last  Scott  tied  a  white 
handkerchief  to  his  sword,  and  accompanied  by 
Captains  Totten  and  Gibson,  crept  under  one  of  the 
precipices,  down  the  river,  till  he  arrived  where  a 
gentle  slope  gave  an  easy  ascent,  when  the  three 
made  a  push  for  the  road,  which  led  from  the  valley 
to  the  heights.  On  the  way  they  were  met  by 
Indians,  who  having  flred  on  the  officers,  rushed 
forward,  with  their  tomahawks,  to  kill  them.  They 
would  soon  have  shared  the  fate  of  the  other  mes- 
sengers, but  for  the  timely  arrival  of  a  British  of- 
ficer, with  some  soldiers,  who  took  the  officers  to 
Gen.  Sheafle,  to  whom  Scott  surrendered  his  whole 
force.  Two  hundi'ed  and  ninety-three  were  all  that 
survived  of  the  brave  band  who  had  struggled  so 
long  and  so  nobly  for  victory.  Several  hundred 
militia,  however,  were  found  concealed  along  the 
shore,  who  had  crossed  over,  but  skidked  away  in 
the  confusion. 

The  entire  loss  of  the  Americans  in  this  unfortunate 


TAKEN   PRISONER.  25 

expedition,  killed  and  captured,  was  about  one  thou- 
sand men. 

General  Yan  Rensalaer,  disgusted  with  the  conduct 
of  the  militia,  soon  after  sent  in  his  resignation. 

Brock  was  next  day  buried  "  under  one  of  the 
bastions  of  Fort  George,"  and  at  the  request  of  Scott, 
then  a  prisoner,  minute  guns  were  fired  from  Fort 
jSTiao^ara  durins^  the  funeral  ceremonies.  Above  the 
dull  distant  roar  of  the  cataract,  the  minute  guns  of 
friends  and  foes  pealed  over  the  dead,  as  with  shrouded 
banners  the  slowly  marching  column  bore  him  to  his 
last  resting  place.  Cannon  that  but  a  few  hours  be- 
fore had  been  exploding  in  angry  strife  on  each  other, 
now  joined  their  peaceful  echoes  over  his  grave. 
Such  an  act  was  characteristic  of  Scott,  who  fierce 
and  fearless  in  battle,  was  chivalrous  and  kind  in  ail 
his  feelings. 

"While  a  prisoner  in  an  inn  at  l^iagara,  Scott  was 
told  that  some  one  wished  to  see  the  "  tall  American." 
lie  immediately  passed  through  into  the  entry,  when 
to  his  astonishment  he  saw  standing  before  him  two 
savage  Indian  chiefs,  the  same  who  would  have  killed 
him  when  he  surrendered  himself  a  prisoner  of  war, 
but  for  the  interposition  of  a  British  ofiicer.  They 
had  come  to  look  on  the  man  at  whom  they  had  so 
often  fired  with  a  deliberate  aim.  In  broken  English, 
and  by  gestures,  they  inquired  where  he  was  hit,  for 
it  was  impossible  that  out  of  fifteen  or  twenty  shots 


26  WIXFIELD   SCOTT. 

not  one  bad  taken  effect.  The  elder  chief,  named 
Jacobs,  a  tall,  powerful  savage,  grew  furious  at  Scott's 
ass^ting  that  not  a  ball  had  touched  him,  and  seizing 
bis  shoulders  rudely,  turned  him  round  to  examine 
bis  back.  The  young  and  fiery  Colonel  did  not  like  to 
bave  such  freedom  taken  with  bis  person  by  a  savage, 
and  burling  bim  fiercely  aside,  exclaimed,  "  Off, 
villain,  you  fired  like  a  squaw."  "  We  kill  you  now," 
was  the  quick  and  startling  reply,  as  knives  and 
tomahawks  gleamed  in  their  hands.  Scott  was  not  a 
man  to  beg  or  run,  thougb  either  would  have  been, 
preferable  to  taking  bis  chances  against  these  armed 
savages.  Luckily  for  bim,  the  swords  of  the  Ameri- 
can oflacers  wbo  bad  been  taken  prisoners,  were  stacked 
under  the  staircase  beside  whicb  be  was  standing. 
Quick  as  thought  he  snatched  up  the  largest,  a  long 
sabre,  and  the  next  moment  it  glittered  unsheathed 
above  bis  head.  One  leap  backward,  to  get  scope  for 
play,  and  be  stood  towering  even  above  the  gigantic 
chieftain,  wbo  glared  in  savage  bate  upon  him.  The 
Indians  were  in  the  wider  part  of  the  hall,  between 
the  foot  of  the  stairs  and  the  door,  while  Scott  stood 
farther  in  where  it  was  narrower.  The  former,  there- 
fore, could  not  get  in  the  rear,  and  were  compelled  to 
face  their  enemy.  They  manoeuvred  to  close,  but  at 
every  turn  that  sabre  flashed  in  their  eyes.  The 
moment  they  came  to  blows,  one,  they  knew,  was 
sure  to  die,  and  although  it  was  ^ually  certain  that 


CONFLICT   WITH   TWO   CHIEFS.  -  27 

Scott  would  fall  under  the  knife  of  the  survivor  before 
he  could  regain  his  position,  yet  neither  Indian 
seemed  anxious  to  be  the  sacrifice.  While  they. thus 
stood  watching  each  other,  a  British  officer  chanced 
to  enter,  and  on  beholding  the  terrific  tableaux,  cried 
out  at  the  top  of  his  voice,  "  The  guard,"  and  at  the 
same  instant  seized  the  tallest  chief  by  the  arm  and 
presented  a  cocked  pistol  to  his  head.  The  .next 
moment  the  blade  of  Scott  quivered  over  the  head  of 
the  other  savage,  to  protect  his  deliverer.  In  a  few 
seconds  the  guards  entered  with  levelled  bayonets, 
and  the  two  chieftains  were  secured.  One  of  them 
was  the  son  of  Brant,  of  revolutionary  notoriety. 

The  prisoners  were  all  taken  to  Quebec,  whence 
they  were  sent  in  a  cartel  to  Boston.  As  they  were 
about  to  sail,  Scott,  who  was  in  the  cabin  of  the 
transport,  hearing  a  noise  on  deck,  went  up  to  ascer- 
tain the  cause,  and  found  that  British  officers  were 
separating  the  Irishmen,  to  exclude  them  from  mercy 
due  to  the  other  prisoners,  and  to  have  them  taken  to 
England  and  tried  for  treason.  Twenty -three  had  thus 
been  set  apart  when  Scott  arrived.  Indignant  at  this 
outrage,  he  peremptorily  ordered  the  rest  of  the  men 
to  keep  silent  and  not  answer  a  question  of  any  kind, 
so  that  neither  by  their  replies  or  voice  they  could 
give  any  evidence  of  the  place  of  their  birth.  He  then 
turned  to  the  doomed  twenty-three,  and  denounced 
the  act  of  the  ofiicers,  and  swore  most  solemnly  that 


28  ^VINTIELD   SCOTT. 

if  a  hair  of  their  heads  was  touched,  he  would  avenge 
it,  even  if  he  was  compelled  to  refuse  quarter  in 
battle.  The  officers  interrupted  him  again  and  again, 
and  fiercely  ordered  him  below.  Boiling  with  rage, 
Scott  indignantly  refused  to  obey,  high  words  and 
threats  followed,  but,  though  unarmed,  he  boldly 
maintained  his  ground. 

Soon  after  he  reached  Boston,  he  was  sent  to 
"Washington,  and  in  a  short  time  was  exchanged. 
He  then  drew  up  a  rejDort  of  the  whole  affair  to  the 
Secretary  of  "War,  and  it  was  presented  the  same  day 
to  Congress.  The  result  was  the  passage  of  an  act  of 
retaliation  (March  3d,  1813).  Scott  never  lost  sight 
of  these  unfortunate  Irishmen,  and  at  the  capture  of 
Fort  George,  in  the  latter  part  of  May,  having  taken 
many  prisoners,  he  selected  out  twenty-three  as  host- 
ages, to  receive  the  same  p)unishment  which  should 
be  meeted  out  to  his  brave  soldiers.  This  led  to 
similar  acts  on  the  part  of  the  English  in  return, 
which  caused  much  unnecessary  suffering.  Scott's 
decision,  however,  saved  his  Irish  troops.  Two  years 
after,  as  he  was  passing  along  the  East  River  in  Kew 
York,  he  heard  loud  cheers  on  one  of  the  piers,  and 
turning  his  footsteps  thither,  found  they  proceeded 
from  those  very  soldiers,  just  landed  after  a  long  im- 
prisonment. They  quickly  recognized  their  old  com- 
mander and  friend,  and  crowded  around  him  with 
enthusiasm  and  clamorous  gratitude,  nearly  crushing 


HIS    IRISH    SOLDIEES.  29 

the  still  weak  and  wounded  General  in  their  arms. 
He  immediately  wrote  to  Washington,  claiming  in 
their  behalf  full  pay,  and  soliciting  patents  for  land 
bounties.  Both  were  granted,  and  twenty-one  out  of 
the  twenty-three  lived  to  praise  their  benefactor  in 
their  adopted  country. 

This  love  for  his  soldiers,  care  for  their  welfare,  and 
rage  at  any  neglect  of  their  wants  and  rights,  and 
stern  determination  to  redress  them,  has  always  cha- 
racterized General  Scott  through  his  long  military 
career.  IToble  and  magnanimous  himself,  he  will  not 
allow  those  under  his  protection  to  be  treated  with 
indignity. 

The  campaign  of  1813  opened  with  the  capture  of 
York.  Soon  after  Scott  joined  the  army  at  Fort 
Niagara  as  adjutant-general  to  Gen.  Dearborn.  But 
though  chief  of  the  staff,  he  claimed  the  right  to 
command  his  own  regiment  in  battle. 

The  capture  of  York  encouraged  Gen.  Dearborn 
to  attack  Forts  George  and  Erie.  Commodore  Chaun- 
cey  having  at  this  time  complete  command  of  the 
lake,  men  and  artillery  could  be  easily  transported 
across,  and  the  vessels  used  to  cover  the  landing 
of  the  troops  and  co-operate  in  any  attack  that 
might  be  made.  Gen.  Dearborn  at  the  head  of  four 
or  five  thousand  men,  embarked  on  board  the  vessels 
and  boats  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  of  May.  At 
three  o'clock  the  following  morning  the  signal  was 


30  WINFTELD   SCOTT. 

given  to  weigh,  and  tlie  little  fleet  moved  silently 
toward  tlie  opposite  sliore.  Col.  Scott  volunteered 
to  lead  tlie  advance  guard  of  five  hundred  men. 
These  were  the  flower  of  the  army,  and  when  Gen. 
Dearborn  placed  them  under  his  command  he  knew 
that  no  common  obstacle  would  arrest  their  charge. 
Col.  Moses  Porter,  with  the  field  train,  was  close  be- 
hind, followed  by  the  brigades  of  Gens.  Boyd, 
Sheridan,  Chandler,  and  a  reserve  under  Col.  C. 
Macomb.  Caj^tain  Perry  volunteered  to  accompany 
Scott,  and  superintend  the  embarkation  of  the  troops. 
In  the  mean  time,  Commodore  Chauncey  had 
anchored  his  vessels  close  in  shore,  and  before  nine 
o'clock  the  guns  of  the  Governor  Tompkins  had 
silenced  the  fort,  and  Scott,  with  his  fleet  of  boats, 
swept  swiftly  towards  the  shore.  As  they  drew  near 
they  were  met  by  volleys  of  musketry  that  sent  the 
spray  in  a  shower  about  them,  but  with  loud  cheers 
they  pressed  forward.  They  knew  the  army  was 
watching  them  with  the  deepest  anxiety,  and  each 
emulating  his  comrade,  and  all  filled  with  the  spirit 
that  animated  their  gallant  young  leader,  could 
scarcely  wait  for  the  boats  to  reach  the  land,  and 
many  leaped  over  and  waded  to  the  shore.  Hav- 
ing reached  the  beach,  Scott  drew  up  his  little 
band  under  cover  of  the  bank  that  rose  eight 
or  ten  feet  over  their  heads ;  from  the  toj)  of  which 
bristled  some  fifteen  hundred  bayonets.     Undaunted 


CAPTURES  FOKT  GEORGE.  31 

bj  this  formidable  array  and  the  bank  that  opj^osed 
his  progress,  Scott  ordered  the  charge.  The  men, 
with  loud  cheers,  sprang  up  the  steep  ascent,  but 
when  near  the  summit  were  met  with  such  overpow- 
ering force  that  they  were  hurled  back.  Gen. 
Dearborn  standing  on  the  deck  of  Chauncey's  ship, 
and  watching  through  his  glass  the  result  of  the 
charge,  saw  the  tall  form  of  Scott  fall  backward 
down  the  bank  upon  the  beach.  Bursting  into  tears, 
he  exclaimed,  "  He  is  lost,  he  is  killed !"  The  next 
moment,  however,  Scott  sprang  to  his  feet,  and 
cheering  on  his  men,  led  them  again  to  the  charge. 
EJnocking  up  the  bayonets  as  they  clambered  to  the 
feet  of  their  foes,  they  steadily  pushed  them  back, 
and  stood  at  last  on  the  summit.  Their  shout  of 
triumph  was  echoed  from  the  boats  below  and  from 
the  ships  in  the  distance.  Scott  having  dressed  his 
line,  ordered  the  charge,  and  closing  fiercely  and  at 
once  with  the  enemy,  drove  them,  after  a  sharp  ac- 
tion of  twenty  minutes,  in  every  direction  before 
him.  Some  fled  to  the  woods  pursued  by  Forsythe, 
who  had  effected  a  landing,  while  others  took  refuge 
in  the  fort.  This  was  immediately  abandoned,  but 
not  till  the  trains  and  magazines  had  been  fired. 
Scott  was  at  this  time  opposite  the  fort,  and  im- 
mediately wheeled  two  companies  from  the  head  of 
his  column  to  arrest  the  flames.  When  within 
about  eighty  yards,  one  of  the  smaller  magazines 


82  WINFIELD   SCM3TT. 

blew  up,  sending  its  fragments  in  eveiy  direction. 
A  piece  of  fljing  timber  struck  Scott  and  hurled 
bim  from  bis  borse.  Tbougli  mucb  burt,  be  pressed 
on  with  bis  men — ordered  tbe  gates  to  be  forced, 
and  was  tbe  first  to  enter.  Capts.  Ilindman  and 
Stockton  snatcbed  away  tbe  mat  dies  wbicb  bad  been 
aj^plied  to  two  otber  magazines,  and  tbe  works  were 
saved.  Col.  Porter  wbo  commanded  tbe  field  artil- 
lery, bad  efiected  a  landing  directly  in  rear  of  Scott, 
and  coming  to  bis  assistance  at  tbe  close  of  tbe  bat- 
tle, followed  close  on  bis  beels  in  pursuit  of  tbe 
enemy.  Wben  tbe  former  turned  to  enter  tbe  fort, 
tbe  gallant  colonel  rusbed  after,  to  be  tbe  first  to 
pull  down  tbe  Eritisb  flag.  But  finding  Scott  abead 
of  bim,  be  exclaimed,  "  Confound  your  long  legs, 
Scott,  you  bave  got  in  before  me."  J^o  sooner  bad 
tbe  latter  lowered  tbe  Eno^lisb  colors,  tban  be  aorain 
put  bimself  at  tbe  bead  of  bis  column,  in  swift  pur- 
suit of  tbe  fugitives.  Disregarding  tbe  order  to  bait, 
be  pressed  forward  five  miles,  wlien  be  was  arrested 
by  General  Boyd  in  person.  Tbis  ended  tbe  battle. 
Tbe  loss  on  botb  sides  is  difierently  stated.  Gen. 
Dearborn  in  bis  rej^ort  makes  it  on  our  side  but 
seventeen  killed  and  forty-five  wounded,  wbile  tbat 
of  tbe  Britisb  was  ninety  killed,  sixty  wounded, 
and  one  bundred  prisoners.  Among  tbe  latter 
was  an  Englisb  colonel,  wbo,  tbe  year  before,  at  a 
supper  party  of  Britisb  officers  wbere  Scott  was  pre- 


niS   MAGNANIMITY.  33 

sent  just  after  his  capture  at  Queenstown,  asked  the 
latter  if  he  had  ever  seen  Niagara  Falls.  Scott  said 
that  he  had,  from  the  American  side.  "  But  you 
must  have  the  glory  of  a  successful  fight  before  you 
can  view  the  cataract  in  all  its  grandeur,"*  replied 
the  officer  in  a  sarcastic  tone.  "  Sir,"  retorted  Scott, 
if  it  be  your  intention  to  insult  me,  honor  should 
have  prompted  you  first  to  return  me  my  sword." 

Scott,  now  the  captor,  repaid  this  insult  by  every 
attention  in  his  power,  returned  the  prisoner  his 
horse,  supplied  all  his  wants,  and  finally  obtained 
his  return  to  England  on  parole.  The  British  officer 
humbled  at  the  contrast  such  conduct  presented  to 
his  own,  said  to  him  one  day,  "  I  have  long  owed 
you  an  apology,  sir.  You  have  overwhelmed  me 
with  kindness.  You  can  now,  at  your  leisui*e,  view 
the  Falls  in  all  their  glory. 

In  July,  Scott  resigned  his  post  as  chief  of  the 
staff,  and  received  the  command  of  a  double  regi- 
ment. 

In  the  beginning  of  autumn  of  this  year,  the  grand 
campaign  for  the  conquest  of  Canada,  under  the  con- 
trol of  Wilkinson,  was  set  in  motion.  Kingston  and 
Montreal  were  both  to  be  taken,  and  thus  both  the 
Canadas  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  In 
the  meantime  Scott  was  left  in  command  of  Fort 
George,  which  he  instantly  set  about  repairing,  and 
soon  put  in  a  complete  state  of  defence.  The  coni- 
2* 


34  wn'TFiELD  sco'rr. 

mander  of  the  British  force,  stationed  near,  imitating 
the  course  pursued  by  other  British  officers  to  intimi- 
date the  American  troops,  sent  a  summons  to  him  to 
surrender,  otherwise  he  should  be  compelled  to  storm 
the  Fort,  in  which  case  he  would  not  be  responsible 
for  the  Indians.  Scott  replied  to  the  messenger — 
"  tell  your  general  to  come  on  and  storm  the  Fort, 
I  will  he  resjponsible  for  the  Indians. ^^  The  enemy, 
however,  whom  he  was  left  to  watch,  breaking  up 
his  camp  and  following  "Wilkinson  in  his  passage 
down  the  lake,  he  was  ordered  to  join  the  command- 
ing general  with  the  regular  troops  under  him.  He 
expected  to  have  his  regiment  transported  in  Com- 
modore Chauncy's  vessels  down  the  lake,  but  Wil- 
kinson refusing  to  let  the  fleet  be  absent  several  days 
for  that  purpose,  he  was  compelled  to  start  on  foot 
for  Sackett's  Harbour,  and  march  by  way  of  the 
Genessee  river,  Canandagua,  and  IJtica.  Heavy 
rains  had  made  the  roads  intolerable,  and  the  slow 
and  wearisome  march  did  not  keep  pace  with  his 
anxiety  to  join  the  army  of  invasion.  Meeting  the 
Secretary  of  War,  not  far  from  Utica,  he  obtained 
permission  to  reach  it  on  the  St.  La\\a'ence,  where- 
ever  he  could.  Eesigning  his  command  to  Major 
Hindman,  he  pushed  on  through  stoi-m  and  mud, 
and  finally  overtook  General  Wilkinson  at  Ogdens- 
burg.    He  immediately  received  the  command  of  a 


HE   JOINS   WILKINSOIT.  35 

clioice  battalion,  under  Colonel  Macomb,  and  led 
the  advance  guard  down  the  St.  Lawrence. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  cbronicle  the  feeble  and  in- 
efficient conduct  of  Wilkinson,  or  the  memorable 
fight  at  Chrysler's  farms.  Scott  as  leader  of  the  ad- 
vance guard,  had  several  skirmishes  with  the  enemy, 
but  nothing  of  importance  occurred,  and  on  the  12th 
of  November,  this  grand  army  of  invasion  was 
ordered  to  retreat  before  a  shadow  and  abandon  its 
project. 

The  ostensible  reason,  the  refusal  of  Hampton  to 
join  him  with  his  division  as  agreed  upon,  was  not 
sufficient  to  justify  "Wilkinson's  conduct.  Had  Scott 
been  placed  over  that  army,  the  American  flag  in  a 
few  days  would  have  waved  above  Montreal. 


CHAPTEE  11. 

Scott  Superintends  the  Camp  of  Instruction  at  Buffalo— Drills  the  Army— Crosses 
the  Niagara — Pursues  the  Marquis  of  Tweesdale  behind  the  Chippewa — Battle  of 
Chippewa — Company  of  Backwoodsmen— Battle  of  Niagara— Charge  of  Miller — 
Scott's  "Wound,  and  Last  Orders — Journey  to  Washington— Eeception  at 
Princeton— Black  Ilawk  War— Scott  amid  the  Cholera— Is  Challenged  by  Jack- 
son— Becomes  interested  in  the  cause  of  Temperance — Takes  Command  in  South 
Carolina,  to  Crush  the  Disunionists — Settles  the  difficulties  on  the  Northern 
Frontier — Pursues  the  Cherokees. 

The  araiy  went  into  winter  quarters,  and  Scott 
was  sent  to  Albany  to  beat  np  recruits.  In  tlie 
spring,  tliongli  only  twenty-eiglit  years  old,  lie  was 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  brigadier-general,  and 
ordered  to  EiifFalo,  under  General  Brown,  who  soon 
after  left  liim  there  to  superintend  the  camp  of  in- 
struction. Like  the  revolutionary  war,  the  tide  of  re- 
verses was  not  fairly  to  turn  until  discipline  was  in- 
troduced into  the  army.  The  troops  under  him,  at 
this  time  were  his  own,  Ripley's  brigade  of  the 
regular  army,  and  Porter's  of  the  militia,  together 
with  Hindman's  battalion  of  artillery.  For  more 
than  three  months,  Scott  subjected  these  immortal 


CEOSSES   THE   NIAGARA.  37 

brigades  to  tlie  severest  discipline.  The  system  of 
tactics  in  use  had  been  handed  down  from  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  was  not  fit  for  the  improved  mode  of  warfare. 
Scott  here  for  the  first  time  introduced  the  French 
system.  He  first  drilled  the  officers,  and  they  in 
turn  the  men.  So  severe  and  constant  was  this  drill 
that  in  the  short  space  of  three  months  these  regular 
brigades  became  intelligent,  steady  and  invincible 
as  old  veterans. 

General  Brown  having  returned  from  Sackett's 
Harbor  in  the  latter  part  of  June,  he  immediately 
began  to  prepare  for  an  invasion  of  the  Canadas. 
The  3d  of  July  the  army  crossed  the  Niagara  river 
and  took  Fort  Erie  without  a  struggle.  The  main 
British  army,  under  General  Eiall,  lay  at  Chippewa, 
towards  which  Scott  pressed  with  his  brigade,  chas- 
ing the  Marquis  of  Tweesdale  for  sixteen  miles,  who 
said  he  could  not  account  for  the  ardor  of  the  pm-- 
suit  until  he  remembered  it  was  the  4th  of  July, 
our  great  anniversary.  At  dark  the  Marquis  crossed 
the  Chippewa,  behind  which  lay  the  British  army. 
This  river  enters  the  I^iagara  nearly  at  right  angles. 
Two  miles  farther  up.  Street's  Creek  joins  the  Ma- 
gara  also,  and  behind  it  Gen.  Brown  drew  up  the 
American  forces.  Tliis  two  miles  of  interval  ■  be- 
tween the  streams  was  an  open  plain,  skirted  on 
one  side  by  the  Niagara  river  and  on  the  other  by 
a  forest. 


38'  AVIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

Siich  was  tlie  state  of  affairs  on  the  mornino:  of  tlio 
Stli,  when  Gen.  Brown  determined  to  advance  and 
attack  the  British  in  their  position.  The  latter  had 
determined  on  a  similar  movement  ac^ainst  the 
Americans,  and  nnbeknown  to  each  other,  the  one 
prepared  to  cross  the  bridge  of  Chippewa,  and  the 
other  that  of  Sti-eet's  Creek. 

Tlie  battle  commenced  in  the  woods  on  the  left, 
and  an  irregnlar  fight  was  kept  np  for  a  long  time 
between  Porter's  brigade  and  the  Canadian  militia 
stationed  there.  The  latter  were  at  length  driven 
back  to  the  Chippewa,  when  General  E-iall  advanced 
to  their  support.  Before  this  formidable  array,  the 
American  militia,  notwithstanding  the  noble  efforts 
of  General  Porter  to  steady  their  courage,  broke 
and  fled.  General  Brown  immediately  hastened  to 
the  scene,  merely  saying  to  Scott  as  he  passed  on, 
'^llie  enemy  is  advancing,  yon  will  have  a  fight." 
The  latter  ignorant  of  the  forward  movement  of 
Piall,  had  just  init  his  brigade  in  marching  order  to 
cross  the  creek  for  a  di*ill  on  the  open  plain  be- 
yond. But  as  the  head  of  the  column  reached  the 
Ijank,  he  saw  the  British  army  drawn  up  in  beau- 
tiful array  in  the  open  field,  while  a  battery  of 
nine  pieces  stood  in  point  blank  range  of  the 
bridge  over  which  he  was  to  cross.  Swiftly  yet 
beautifully  the  corps  of  Scott  swept  over  the  bridge 
and  deployed  uiidcr  the  steady  fire  of  the  battery. 


BAnXE    OF    CIIIITEWA.  39 

Tlie  first  and  second  battalions  under  Majors  Lea- 
venworth and  MclSTeil,  took  position  in  front  of  the 
left  and  centre  of  the  enemy,  while  the  third,  nnder 
Jessup,  obliqued  to  the  left  to  attack  their  right, 
stationed  in  the  woods,  and  which  threatened  to 
outflank  the  American  line.  It  was  a  bright,  hot 
July  afternoon,  the  dusty  plain  presented  no  obsta- 
cle behind  which  either  party  could  find  shelter,  and 
the  march  of  the  steady  battalions  over  its  surface 
led  on  by  bands  of  music,  presented  one  of  those 
stirring  scenes  which  makes  man  forget  the  carnage 
that  is  to  follow.  Tlie  heavy  monotonous  thunder 
of  Niagara  rolled  on  over  the  discharges  of  artillery, 
while  its  clouds  of  spray  rising  from  the  strife  of 
waters,  and  glittering  in  the  sunbeams,  contrasted 
strangely  with  the  sulphurous  clouds  that  heaved 
heavenward  from  the  conflict  of  men  beneath. 

Both  armies  halting,  firing,  and  advancing  in  turn, 
continued  to  approach  until  they  stood  within  eighty 
yards  of  each  other.  Scott  who  had  been  manoeu- 
vering  to  get  the  two  battalions  of  Leavenworth  and 
M'Neil  in  an  oblique  position  to  the  British  line — • 
the  great  object  in  an  open  attack — at  length  suc- 
ceeded, the  two  farther  extremities  being  nearest  the 
enemy.  Tlius  the  American  army  stood  like  an 
obtuse  triangle  of  which  the  British  line  formed  the 
base.  While  in  this  position  Scott  wishing  to  pass 
from  one  extremity  to  the  other  and  being  in  too 


40  "SVIXFIELD   SCOTT. 

great  a  liiiny  to  go  Lack  of  his  lines  around  tlie  tri- 
angle, cut  directly  across  it,  taking  the  cross  fire  of 
both  armies,  as  he  spurred  in  a  fierce  gallop  through 
the  smoke.  A  loud  cheer  rolled  along  the  Ameri- 
can lines  as  they  saw  this  daring  act  of  their  com- 
mander. Riding  up  to  Towson's  battery,  he  cried 
out,  "  a  little  more  to  the  left,  caj)tain,  the  enemy  is 
there."  Tliis  gallant  officer  was  standing  amid  his 
guns,  and  enveloped  in  smoke  had  not  observed  that 
the  British  had  advanced  so  far  that  his  fire  fell  be- 
hind them.  Listantly  discovering  his  mistake,  he 
changed  the  direction  of  his  two  remaining  pieces 
and  2)oured  a  raking,  destructive  fire  through  the 
enemy's  ranks,  blowing  up  an  ammunition  wagon, 
which  spread  destruction  on  every  side.  At  this 
critical  moment,  Scott  rode  uj)  to  M'Xeil's  battalion, 
his  face  blazing  with  excitement,  and  shouted,  "  Tlie 
enemy  say  that  we  are  good  at  long  shot  but  cannot 
stand  the  cold  iron.  I  call  u]3on  the  Eleventh  in- 
stantly to  give  the  lie  to  that  slander^  CliargeP 
Just  as  the  order  "  charge,"  escaped  his  lij)s,  came 
that  destructive  fire  from  Towson's  battery.  Tlie 
thunder  of  those  guns  at  that  critical  moment,  was, 
to  Scott's  young  and  excited  heart  like  the  shout  of 
victory,  and  rising  in  his  stirrups  and  swinging  his 
sword  aloft,  he  cried,  "  Chauge,  charge  the  rasc^u^s." 
"With  a  high  and  ringing  cheer,  that  gallant  batta- 


TIIE  VICTORY,  41 

lion  moved  witli  leveled  bayonets  on  tlie  foe.  Tak- 
ing the  close  and  deadly  volleys  witliont  shrinking, 
its  torn  and  shattered  front  never  for  a  moment  los- 
ing its  firm  formation,  it  struck  the  British  line  ob- 
liquely, crumbling  it  to  pieces,  as  it  swept  on  witli 
resistless  power. 

Leavenworth  did  the  same  on  the  right  with  the 
same  success,  while  Jessup  in  the  woods,  ignorant 
how  the  battle  was  going  in  the  plain,  but  finding 
himself  outflanked,  ordered  his  troops  "  to  support 
arms  and  advance."  They  cheerfully  obeyed  and 
in  the  face  of  a  most  deadly  fire  charged  home  on 
the  enemy,  and  obtaining  a  better  position  poured 
in  his  volleys  with  tremendous  efiect.  From  tlie 
moment  these  charges  commenced,  till  the  enemy 
fled,  the  field  presented  a  frightful  spectacle. 
The  two  armies  were  in  such  close  proximity,  and 
the  volleys  were  so  incessant  and  destructive,  and 
the  uj^roar  so  terrific  that  orders  could  no  longer  be 
heard.  But  through  his  two  aids  Lieutenants  Worth 
and  Watts,  who  galloped  to  and  fro  and  by  their 
presence  and  gestures  transmitted  his  orders  in  the 
midst  of  the  hottest  fire,  Scott  caused  every  move- 
ment to  be  executed  with  precision,  and  not  an  error 
was  committed  from  first  to  last. 

The  enemy  driven  over  the  Chippewa,  tore  up 
the  bridge  and  retired  to  his  encampment. 


42  WTNFTFXD   SCOTT. 

The  sun  went  down  in  blood  and  tlic  loud  requiem 
of  Kiasara  which  had  been  drowned  in  the  roar  of 
battle,  sounded  on  as  before  over  the  gallant  dead, 
while  the  moans  of  the  wounded ;  loaded  the  air  of 
the  calm  summer  evening. 

Nearly  eight  hundred  killed  and  wounded,  had 
been  stretched  on  the  earth  in  that  short  battle,  out  of 
some  four  thousand,  or  one-fifth  of  all  engaged.*  A 
bloodier  battle  was  scarce  ever  fought.  The  British 
havinor  been  tauo^ht  to  believe  that  the  American 
troops  would  give  way  in  an  open  fight,  and  that 
the  resort  to  the  bayonet  was  always  the  signal  of 
victory  to  them,  could  not  be  made  to  yield,  until  tliey 
were  literally  crushed  under  the  headlong  charge  of 
the  Americans. 

Gen.  Brown,  when  he  found  that  Scott  had  the 
whole  British  army  on  his  hands,  hurried  back  to 
bring  up  Eipley's  brigade  ;  but  Scott's  evolutions  and 
advance  had  been  so  rapid,  and  his  blow  so  sudden 
and  deadly,  that  the  field  was  swej^t  before  he  could 
arrive. 

M'K"eil's  battalion  had  not  a  recruit  in  it,  and  Scott 
knew  when  he  called  on  them  to  give  the  lie  to  the 
slander,  that  American  troops  could  not  stand  the ' 

*  The  British  were  2100  strong.  American  troops  actually  engaged, 
1900. 

British  killed  138.  Wounded  and  missing  365.  Americans  killed 
68.     Wounded  and  missing  207. 


FINAL   CnAKGE.  4:6 

cold  steel,  tbat  they  would  do  it  tlioiigh  every  man 
perished  iu  Lis  footsteps. 

Maj.  Leaven  worth's  battalion,  however,  embraced 
a  few  volunteers,  and  among  them  a  company  of 
backwoodsDien,  who  joined  the  army  at  Buffalo  a  few 
days  before  it  was  to  cross  the  Niagara. 

An  incident  illustrating  their  character,  was  told 
the  writer's  father  by  Maj.  Gen.  Leavenworth  himself. 
Although  a  battle  was  expected  in  a  few  days,  the 
Major  resolved  in  the  meantime  to  drill  these  men. 
Having  ordered  them  out  for  that  purpose,  he  en- 
deavored to  apply  the  manual ;  but  to  his  surprise, 
found  that  they  were  ignorant  of  the  most  common 
terms  familiar  even  to  untrained  militia.  While 
thus  puzzled  with  their  awkardness,  Scott  rode  on  the 
field,  and  in  a  sharp  voice  asked  Maj.  Leavenworth 
if  he  could  not  manage  those  soldiers  better.  The 
Major  lifting  his  chapeau  to  the  General,  replied,  that 
he  wished  the  General  would  try  them  himself.  The 
latter  rode  forward  and  issued  his  commands — but  the 
backwoodsmen  instead  of  obeying  him,  were  ignorant 
even  of  the  military  terms  he  used.  After  a  few  mo- 
ment's trial,  he  saw  it  was  a  hopeless  task  and  touch- 
ing his  chapeau  in  return  to  Leavenworth,  said, 
"  Major,  I  leave  you  your  men,"  and  rode  off  the  field. 
The  latter  finding  that  all  attempts  at  drill  during 
the  short  interval  that  must  elapse  before  a  battle 
occurred,  would  be  useless;  ordered  them  to  their 


44  •WIXFIELD    PCOTT. 

qimi-ters.  On  the  day  of  the  battle  lie  2)laced  them  at 
one  extremity  of  the  line  where  he  thought  they 
would  interfere  the  least  with  the  manoeuvres  of  the 
rest  of  the  battalion.  He  said  that  during  the 
engagement,  this  company  occurred  to  him,  and  he 
rode  the  whole  length  of  his  line  to  see  what  they 
were  about.  They  were  where  he  had  placed  them, 
captain  and  all,  obeying  no  orders,  except  the  orders 
to  advance.  Their  ranks  were  open  and  out  of  all 
line ;  but  the  soldiers  were  cool  and  collected  as 
veterans.  They  had  thrown  away  their  hats  and 
coats,  and  besmeared  with  powder  and  smoke  were 
loading  and  firing,  each  on  his  own  hook.  They  paid 
no  attention  to  the  order  to  fire,  having  no  idea  of 
"  shooting  ''  till  they  had  good  aim.  The  thought  of 
running  had  evidently  never  crossed  their  minds. 
Fearless  of  danger  and  accustomed  to  pick  off 
squiiTels  from  the  tops  of  the  loftiest  trees  with  their 
rifle-balls,  they  were  quietly  doing  what  they  were 
put  there  to  perform,  viz.,  kill  men,  and  Maj.  Leav- 
enworth said  there  was  the  most  deadly  work  in  the 
whole  line.  Men  fell  like  grass  before  the  scythe. 
Kot  a  shot  was  thrown  away — ten  men  were  equal  to 
a  hundred  firing  in  the  ordinary  way. 

The  American  army  rested  but  two  days  after  the 
battle,  and  then  advanced  over  the  Chippewa, 
Scott's  brigade  leading.  Tlie  British  retreated  to 
Burlington  Heights,  near  the  head  of  Lake  Ontario. 


"backwoodsmen.  45 

Thither  Brown  resolved  to  follow  them.     Bnt  on  the 
25th,  while  the  army  was  resting,  i^rej^aratory  to  the 
next  day's  battle,  word  was  brought  that  a  thousand 
troops  had  crossed  the  river  to  Lewiston,  for  the  i^ur- 
pose,  evidently,  of  seizing  our  magazines  at  Fort 
Schlosser,   and   the   sui^plies,  on   the   way   to   the 
American  camp,  from  Buffalo.     In  order  to  force 
them    to    return,  Brown   resolved   immediately   to 
threaten  the   forts   at   the   mouth  of  the   Niagara 
river,  and  in  twenty  minutes,  Scott,  with  a  detach- 
ment of  twelve  hundred  men,  was  on  the  march. 
He  had  proceeded  but  two  miles,  when  he  came  in 
sight  of  some  British  officers,  evidently  reconnoiter- 
ing.     The  force  to  which  they  belonged  lay  behind 
a  strip  of  wood,  which  prevented  him  from  seeing 
them.     Supposing  them,  however,  to  be  the  frag- 
ments of  the  army  he  had  so  terribly  shattered  at 
Chippewa,  he  ordered  the  march  to  be  resumed. 
But  as  he  cleared  the  road  he  saw  before  him  an 
army  of  two  thousand  men  drawn  up  in  order  of 
battle.  He  paused  a  moment  at  this  unexpected  sight, 
and  his  eye  had  an  anxious  look  as  it  ran  along  his 
little  band.     To  retreat  would  endanger  the  reserve 
marching  to  his  relief,  and  destroy  the  confidence  of 
the  troops.     Besides,  Scott  never  had,  and  never  has 
since,  learned ^^ac^f^'mZZy,  what  the  word  "retreat" 
meant.     He  detennined,  therefore,  hazardous  as  it 
was,  to  maintain  the  unequal  contest  till  the  other 


46  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

poi-tion  of  the  army  arrived.  Desi^atcliing  officers 
to  General  Brown  with  directions  to  ride  as  for  life, 
he  gave  the  orders  to  advance.  The  sun,  at  this 
time,  was  but  half  an  hour  high,  and  unobscured  by 
a  cloud,  was  going  to  his  lordly  re^^ose  behind  the 
forest  that  stood  bathed  in  his  departing  splendor. 
Kear  by,  in  full  view,  rolled  the  cataract,  sending  up 
its  incense  towards  heaven,  and  filling  that  summer 
evening  with  its  voice  of  thunder.  The  spray  as  it 
floated  inland,  hovered  over  the  American  army, 
and  as  the  departing  sunbeams  struck  it,  a  rainbow 
was  formed,  which  encircled  the  head  of  Scott's 
column  like  a  halo — a  symbol  of  the  wreath  of 
glory  that  should  encircle  it  forever. 

The  British,  two  thousand  strong,  were  posted 
just  below  the  Falls,  on  a  ridge  at  the  head  of 
Lundy's  Lane.  Their  left  was  in  the  highway,  and 
separated  from  the  main  body  by  an  interval  of  two 
hundred  yards,  covered  with  brushwood,  etc.  Gene- 
ral Drummond  had  landed 'a  short  time  before  with 
reinforcements,  which  were  rapidly  marching  up  to 
the  aid  of  Eiall.  Scott,  however,  would  not  turn  his 
back  on  the  enemy,  and  gallantly  led  in  person  his 
little  army  into  the  fire.  His  bearing  and  words  in- 
spired confidence,  and  officers  and  men  forgot  the 
odds  that  were  against  them.  Major  Jessup  was 
ordered  to  fiing  himself  in  the  interval,  between  the 
British  centre  and  left,  and  turn  the  latter.     In  the 


BATTLE    OF   NIAGARA.  47 

meantime,  tlie  enemy  discovering  that  lie  outflanked 
the  Americans  on  the  left,  advanced  a  battalion  to 
take  them  in  rear.  The  brave  Mc^N'eil  stopped, 
-with  one  terrible  blow,  its  progress,  though  his  own 
battalion  was  dreadfully  shattered  by  it.  Jessup 
had  succeeded  in  his  movement,  and  having  taken 
the  enemy  in  rear,  charged  back  through  his  line, 
captured  the  commanding-general  Riall,  with  his 
whole  staff.  When  this  was  told  to  Scott,  he  an- 
nounced it  to  his  army,  and  three  loud  cheers  rang 
over  the  field.  A  destructive  discharge  from  the 
English  battery  of  seven  pieces,  followed.  It  was 
dark,  and  though  there  was  a  moon,  its  feeble  light 
struggled  in  vain  to  pierce  the  smoke  that  curtained 
in  the  combatants.  The  flashes  from  the  bat- 
tery that  crowned  the  heights,  and  from  the  in- 
fantry below,  alone  revealed  where  they  were  strug- 
gling. Scott's  regiments  were  soon  all  reduced  to 
skeletons — a  fourth  of  the  whole  brigade  had  fallen 
in  the  unequal  conflict.  Tlie  English  battery  of 
twenty-four-pounders  and  howitzers,  sent  destruction 
through  his  ranks.  He,  however,  refused  to  yield  a 
foot  of  ground,  and  heading  almost  every  charge  in 
person,  moved  with  such  gay  spirits  and  reckless 
courage  through  the  deadliest  fire,  that  the  troops 
caught  the  infection.  But  the  Britisli  batteries, 
now  augmented  to  nine  guns,  made  frightful 
havoc   in    his   imcovered  brierade.     Towson's  few 


48  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

pieces  being  necessarily  placed  so  mncli  louver, 
could  j^rodiice  but  little  effect,  ^vliile  the  enemy's 
twenty-four-pounders,  loaded  with  grape,  swept  tlie 
entire  field.  Tlie  eleventli  and  twenty-second  regi- 
ments, deprived  of  tbeir  commanders,  and  destitute 
of  ammunition,  were  -vvitlidi-awn,  and  Leavenworth, 
witli  the  gallant  ninth,  was  compelled  to  withstand 
the  whole  shock  of  battle.  This  single  regiment 
appeared  amid  the  darkness  to  be  enveloj^ed  in  fire 
— ^with  such  energy  and  superior  numbers,  did  the 
British  press  upon  it.  Its  destruction  seemed  inevi- 
table, and  in  a  short  time  one  half  of  its  number 
lay  stretched  on  the  field.  Leavenworth  sent  to 
Scott,  infonning  him  of  his  desperate  condition. 
The  latter  soon  came  up  on  a  full  gallop,  when 
Leavenworth  pointing  to  the  bleeding  fragment  of 
his  regiment,  said,  "  Yom-  rule  for  retreating  is  ful- 
filled," referring  to  Scott's  maxim  that  a  regiment 
might  retreat  when  every  third  man  was  killed. 
Scott,  however,  answered  buoyantly,  cheered  up  the 
men  and  officers  by  promising  victory — ^pointed  to 
the  flag  that  still  waved  in  the  dim  moonlight,  and 
though  bleeding  from  a  wound,  spurred  where  the 
balls  fell  thickest,  and  animated  them  by  his  daring 
courage  and  chivalric  bearing  to  still  greater  efforts. 
Still  he  could  not  but  see  that  his  case  was  desperate, 
and  unless  aid  arrived  soon,  he  must  retreat.     Only 


BATTLE   OF   NTAGAEA.  49 

five  or  six  liimdred  of  the  twelve  Inindred  lie  at  sun- 
down liad  led  into  battle,  remained  to  him. 

General  Brown,  however,  was  hurrying  to  the 
rescue.  The  incessant  cannonading  convinced  him 
that  Scott  had  a  heavy  force  on  his  hands  ;  and  with- 
out waiting  the  arrival  of  a  messenger,  he  ordered 
Hipley  to  move  forward  with  the  second  brigade. 
Meeting  Scott's  despatch  on  the  way,  he  learned  how 
desperate  the  battle  was,  and  immediately  ordered 
Porter  with  the  volunteers  to  hurry  on  after  Eipley, 
while  he,  in  advance  of  all,  hastened  to  the  field  of 
action.  The  constant  and  heavy  exj^losions  of  artil- 
lery, rising  over  the  roar  of  the  cataract,  announced 
to  the  excited  soldiers  the  danger  of  their  comrades ; 
and  no  sooner  were  they  wheeled  into  marching  order 
than  they  started  on  a  trot  along  the  road.  Lieutenant 
Riddle,  who  was  off  on  a  scouring  expedition  in  the 
country,  paused  as  he  heard  the  thunder  of  cannon, 
and  Avaiting  for  no  desj)atch,  gave  orders  to  march, 
and  his  men  moving  at  the  charge  cle  pas,  soon  came 
with  shouts  on  the  field.  At  length  the  head  of 
Ripley's  column  emerged  through  the  gloom,  sending 
joy  through  those  gallant  regiments,  and  aloud  huzza 
rolled  along  their  line.  Brown,  seeing  that  Scott's 
brigade  was  exhausted,  ordered  Eipley  to  form  in  ad- 
vance of  it.  In  the  mean  time,  Drummond  had 
arrived  on  the  field  with  reinforcements,  swelling  the 
English  army  to  four  thousand  men.   At  this  moment 


50  WTXPIELD   SCOTT. 

there  was  a  lull  in  the  battle,  and  both  armies  pre- 
pared  for  a  decisive  blow.  It  was  evident  the  deadly 
battery  on  the  heights  must  be  carried,  or  the  field 
be  lost,  and  Brown,  turning  to  Colonel  Miller,  asked 
him  if  he  could  take  it.  "  I  will  try,  sir,"  was  the 
brief  reply  of  the  fearless  soldier,  as  he  coolly  scanned 
the  frowning  heights.  Placing  himself  at  the  head 
of  the  21st  regiment,  he  prepared  to  ascend  the  hill. 
Major  M'Farland  with  the  23d  was  to  support  him. 
ISTot  having  arrived  on  the  field  till  after  dark,  he  was 
ignorant  of  the  formation  of  the  ground  or  the  best 
point  from  which  to  commence  the  ascent.  Scott, 
who  had  fought  over  almost  every  foot  of  it  since  sun- 
set, oflered  to  pilot  him.  Passing  by  an  old  church 
and  grave-yard,  that  showed  dimly  in  the  moonlight, 
he  took  the  column  to  the  proper  place,  and  then  re- 
turned to  his  post.  In  close  order  and  dead  silence 
the  two  regiments  then  moved  straight  for  the  battery. 
It  was  only  by  their  heavy  mufiled  tread  that  General 
Drummond  detected  their  approach.  In  an  instant 
that  battery  of  nine  guns  opened  with  terrific  eftect. 
The  Twenty-third  staggered  under  the  discharge,  but 
Boon  rallied  and  pressed  forward ;  smitten  again,  it 
reeled  backward  in  the  gloom  ;  but  the  Twenty-first 
never  faltered.  "  Close  up,  steady,  men,"  rung  from 
the  lips  of  their  leader,  and  taking  the  loads  of  grape- 
shot  unshrinkingly  into  their  bosoms,  they  marched 
Bternly  on,  their  bayonets  gleaming  red  in  the  fire 


BATTLE   OF   NIAGARA.  61 

that  rolled  in  streams  down  tlie  slope.  Every  explo- 
sion revealed  the  whole  hill  and  that  dark  column 
w^inding  through  flame  and  smoke  up  its  sides.  At 
length  it  came  w^ithin  range  of  musketry,  when  the 
carnage  became  awful ;  but  still  on  through  the  sheets 
of  flame,  over  their  dead  comrades,  this  invincible 
regiment  held  its  stubborn  course  towards  the  very 
vortex  of  the  battle.  The  English  gazed  with  amaze- 
ment on  its  steady  advance.  'No  hesitation  marked 
its  movement ;  closing  up  its  ranks  after  every  dis- 
charge, it  kept  on  its  terrible  way,  till  at  last  it  stood 
face  to  face  with  the  murderous  battery,  and  within  a 
few  steps  of  the  gunners.  A  sudden  flash,  a  deafen- 
ing explosion,  and  then  "  Close  tip^  steady^  charge^'' 
rung  out  from  the  sulphurous  cloud  that  rolled  over 
the  shattered  regiment,  and  the  next  instant  it  swept 
with  a  thrilling  shout  over  guns,  gunners,  and  all. 
The  struggle  became  at  once  close  and  fierce, — 
bayonet  crossed  bayonet, — weapon  clashed  against 
weapon, — but  nothing  could  resist  that  determined 
onset.  The  British  were  driven  down  the  hill,  and 
the  remnants  of  that  gallant  regiment,  together  with 
M'Farland's,  which  had  again  rallied,  formed  between 
the  guns  and  the  foe.  Ripley  then  moved  his  brigade 
to  the  top  of  the  hill,  in  order  to  keep  what  had  been 
so  heroically  won.  Stung  with  rage  and  mortification 
at  this  unexpected  defeat,  Drummond  resolved  to 
retake  that  height  and  his  guns,  cost  what  it  might ; 


52  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

and  soon  the  tread  of  his  advancing  cohimns  was 
heard  ascending  the  slope.  Shrouded  in  darkness, 
they  came  on  at  the  charge  step,  and  in  dead  silence, 
until  within  twenty  yards  of  the  American  line,  when 
they  halted  and  delivered  their  iire.  "  Charge"  then 
ran  along  the  line,  but  the  order  had  scarcely  pealed 
on  the  night  air  before  the}^  were  shattered  and  torn 
into  fragments  by  the  sudden  and  destructive  volley 
of  the  Americans.  Rallying,  however,  they  returned 
to  the  attack,  and  for  twenty  minutes  the  conflict 
around  those  guns  was  indescribably  awful  and  mur- 
derous. Xo  sounds  of  music  drowned  the  death-cry ; 
the  struggle  was  too  close  and  fatal.  There  were  only 
the  fierce  tramp  and  the  clash  of  steel, — the  stifled 
cry  and  wavering  to  and  fro  of  men  in  a  death-grapple. 
At  length  the  British  broke,  and  disappeared  in  the 
darkness.  General  Ripley  again  formed  his  line, 
while  Scott,  who  had  succeeded  in  getting  a  single 
battalion  out  of  the  fras^ments  of  his  whole  bricjade, 
was  ordered  to  the  top  of  the  hill. 

In  about  half  an  hour  the  sound  of  the  returning 
enemy  was  again  heard.  Smote  by  the  same  fierce 
fire,  Drummond  with  a  desperate  efi'ort  threw  his 
entire  strength  on  the  centre  of  the  American  line. 
But  there  stood  the  gallant  Twenty-First,  whose  re- 
sistless charge  had  first  swept  the  hill ;  and  where 
they  had  conquered  they  could  not  yield.  Scott  in 
the   mean  time  led  his  column  so  as  to  take  the 


BATTLE    OF   NIAGARA.  53 

enemy  in  flank  and  rear,  and  but  for  a  sudden  volley 
from  a  concealed  body  of  the  enemy,  cutting  his  com- 
mand in  tvv^o,  would  have  finislied  tlie  battle  with  a 
blow.  As  it  was  he  charged  again  and  again,  with 
resistless  energy,  and  the  disordered  ranks  of  the  foe 
for  the  third  time  rolled  back  and  were  lost  in  the 
gloom.  Here  his  last  horse  fell  under  him,  and  he 
moved  on  foot  amid  his  battalion.  Jessup  was  also 
severely  wounded,  yet  there  he  stood  amid  the 
darkness  and  carnage,  cheering  on  his  men.  Tlie 
soldiers  vied  with  the  officers  in  heroic  daring  and 
patient  suffering.  Many  would  call  out  for  muskets 
as  they  had  none,  or  for  cartridges  as  theirs  were  all 
gone.  On  every  side  from  pallid  lips  and  prostrate 
bleeding  forms  came  the  reply,  "take  mine,  and 
m.ine,  my  gun  is  in  good  order,  and  my  cartridge 
box  is  full."  There  was  scarcely  an  officer  at  this  time 
unwounded ;  yet,  one  and  all  refused  to  yield  the 
command  while  they  could  keep  their  feet. 

Jessup's  flag  was  riddled  with  balls,  and  as  a 
sergeant  waved  it  amid  a  storm  of  bullets,  the  staff 
was  severed  in  three  places  in  his  hand.  Turnino- 
to  his  commander  he  exclaimed  as  he  took  up  the 
fragments,  "  Look,  colonel,  how  they  have  cut  us." 
Tlie  next  moment  a  ball  passed  through  his  body. — • 
But  he  still  kept  h*s  feet,  and  still  waved  his  muti- 
lated standard,  until  faint  with  loss  of  blood  he  simk 
on  the  field. 


54  WIXFIELT)   SCOTT. 

After  being  (Iriven  tlie  tliird  time  down  tlie  liill, 
the  enemy  for  a  wliile  ceased  their  efforts,  and  sud- 
den silence  fell  on  the  two  armies,  broken  only  by 
the  groans  of  the  woimded  and  dying.  The  scene, 
and  the  hour,  combined  to  render  that  hill-top  a 
strange  and  fearful  object  in  the  darkness.  On  one 
side  lay  a  wilderjiess,  on  the  other  rolled  the  cataract, 
whose  solemn  anthem  could  again  be  heard  pealing 
on  through  the  gloom.  Leaning  on  their  heated 
guns,  that  gallant  band  stood  bleeding  amid  the 
wreck  it  had  made.  It  was  midnight — the  stars 
looked  quietly  down  from  their  homes  in  the  sky — ■ 
the  summer  wind  swept  softly  by,  and  natm-e  was 
breathing  long  and  peacefully.  But  all  over  that 
hill  lay  the  brave  dead,  and  adown  its  sides  in  every 
direction  the  blood  of  men  was  rippling.  Still  not 
a  heart  beat  faint.  Nothing  but  skeletons  of  regi- 
ments remained,  3^et  calm  and  stern  were  the  words 
spoken  there  in  the  darkness.  "  Close  vj)  the  ranks,^^ 
were  the  heroic  orders  that  still  fell  on  the  shattered 
battalions,  and  they  closed  with  the  same  firm  pre- 
sence and  dauntless  hearts  as  before. 

It  was  thought  that  the  British  would  make  no 
further  attempts  to  recover  their  guns,  but  reinforce- 
ments having  arri^'^d  from  Fort  George,  they,  after 
an  hour's  repose  and  refreshment,  prepared  for  a 
final  assault.  Our  troops  had  all  this  time  stood  to 
their  arms,  and  fa/.nt  with  hunger,  thirst,  and  fatigue, 


BATTLE   OF   NIAGARA.  55 

seemed  unequal  to  a  third  conflict  against  a  fresh 
force.  But  as  they  heard  the  enemy  advancing, 
they  forget  their  weariness  and  met  the  onset  firmly 
as  before.  But  this  time  the  ranks  of  the  enemy 
did  not  yield  under  the  fire  that  smote  them,  they 
pressed  steadily  forward,  and  delivering  their  volleys 
as  they  advanced,  at  length  stood  on  the  summit  of 
the  hill,  and  breast  to  breast  with  the  American  line. 
The  conflict  now  became  fearful  and  more  like  the 
murderous  hand-to-hand  fights  of  old  than  a  modern 
battle.  Battalions  on  both  sides  were  forced  back 
till  the  ranks  became  mingled.  Bayonet  crossed 
bayonet  and  men  lay  transfixed  side  by  side.  Ilind- 
man  whose  artillery  had  done  great  service  from  the 
first,  found  the  enemy  amid  his  guns,  across  which 
he  was  compelled  to  fight  them. 

The  firing  gave  way  to  the  clash  of  steel,  the  blaz- 
ing hill-top  subsided  into  gloom,  out  of  which  the 
sound  of  this  nocturnal  combat  arose  in  strange  and 
wild  confusion. 

Scott  charging  like  fire  at  the  head  of  his  exhausted 
battalion,  received  another  severe  wound  which  pros- 
trated him — but  his  last  words  to  Leavenworth,  as  he 
was  borne  to  the  rear,  were  "  charge  againP  "  Charge 
airain,  Leavenworth,"  were  his  last  orders  as  he  was 
carried  apparently  dying  from  that  fierce  foughten 
field.  General  Brown  supported  on  his  horse,  was 
slowly  led  away.     Jessup  was  bleeding  from  several 


56  WT:n^TELD  scott. 

wounds,  every  regiia  eiital  officer  in  Scott's  brigade  was 
killed  or  wounded.  Only  one  out  of  every  four  stood 
lip  un/iurt.  The  annals  of  war  rarely  reveal  sucli  a 
slaughter  in  a  single  brigade,  but  it  is  rarer  still  a 
brigade  Las  such  a  leader.  The  ghosts  of  regiments 
alone  remained,  yet  before  these  the  veterans  of 
England  were  at  last  compelled  to  flee,  and  betake 
themselves  to  the  darkness  for  safety.  Sullen,  mor- 
tified, and  badly  wounded,  Drummond  was  carried 
from  the  field,  and  all  farther  attempts  to  take  the 
hill  were  abandoned.  The  Americans,  however, 
kept  watch  and  ward,  around  the  cannon  that  had 
cost  them  so  great  a  sacrifice,  till  near  day-break, 
when  orders  were  received  to  retire  to  camj).  IS'o 
water  could  be  obtained  on  the  heights,  and  the 
troops  wanted  repose.  Through  the  want  of  drag- 
ropes  and  horses,  the  cannon  were  left  behind.  This 
was  a  sad  drawback  to  the  victory,  and  Major  Kip- 
ley  should  have  detailed  some  men  to  have  taken 
them  at  least  down  the  hill.  Trophies  won  with  the 
blood  of  so  many  brave  men  were  worth  more  efifort 
than  he  put  forth  to  secure  them. 

A  bloodier  battle,  in  proj)ortion  to  the  numbers 
engaged,  was  never  fought  than  this.  Nearly  eight 
hundred  Americans,  and  as  many  English,  had  fal- 
len on  and  around  that  single  hill.  It  was  loaded 
with  the  slain.  Seventy-six  officers  were  either 
killed  or  wounded  out  of  our  army  of  some  three 


THE  VICTORY.  67 

thousand  men^  and  not  a  general  on  either  side  re- 
mained unwounded. 

Among  the  slain  was  yonng  Captain  Hull,  son  of 
the  general  who  had  so  shamefully  capitulated  at 
Detroit.  This  young  officer,  who  had  fought  one 
duel  in  defence  of  his  father's  honor,  and  struggled 
in  vain  to  shake  off  the  sense  of  disgrace  that  clung 
to  him,  told  a  friend  at  the  opening  of  the  battle, 
that  he  had  resolved  to  fling  away  a  life  which  had 
become  insupportable.  Where  the  battle  was  hot- 
test, there  his  sword  was  seen  waving  his  company 
on.  For  a  long  time  he  seemed  to  bear  a  charmed 
life,  and  the  more  he  wooed  death,  the  more  she 
avoided  him.  But  when  the  conflict  was  done,  he 
was  found  stark  and  stifle  where  the  dead  lay 
thickest. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  relate  all  the  deeds  of 
daring  and  gallantry  which  distinguished  this  bloody 
engagement.  Almost  every  man  was  a  hero,  and 
from  that  hour  England  felt  a  respect  for  our  arms 
she  never  before  entertained.  The  navy  had  estab- 
lished its  reputation  forever,  and  now  the  army  chal- 
lenged the  respect  of  the  world.  The  timorous  and 
tlie  ignorant  had  been  swept  away  with  the  old 
martinets,  and  the  true  genius  of  the  country  was 
shining  forth  in  her  young  men,  who,  while  they 
did  not  despise  the  past,  took  lessons  of  the  present, 
^cott  at  this  time,  but  twenty-eight  years  of  age, 


58  wmriELD  scott. 

had  sliown  to  tlie  coiiiitiy  wliat  a  single  youtli,  fired 
witli  patriotism,  confident  in  his  resources,  and  dar- 
ing in  spirit,  could  accomplish.  His  brigade,  it  is 
true,  had  been  almost  annihilated,  and  nothing  ap- 
parently been  gained,  but  those  err  much  who  gra- 
duate the  results  of  a  battle  by  the  niunber  taken 
prisoners  or  the  territory  acquired.  Moral  power  is 
always  more  valuable  than  physical,  and  though  we 
are  forever  demanding  something  tangible  to  show 
as  the  reward  of  such  a  great  efi'ort  and  sacrifice, 
yet  to  gain  a  national  position  is  more  important 
than  to  take  an  army.  Thus  while  many  think 
that  the  battle  of  ^N'iagara  though  gallantly  fought, 
was  a  barren  one,  and  famished  no  compensation 
for  the  terrible  slaughter  that  characterised  it,  yet 
there  has  been  none  since  that  of  Bunker  Ilill, 
more  important  to  this  country,  and  which,  directly 
and  indirectly,  has  more  afi*ected  its  interests.  It 
probably  saved  more  battles  than  if,  by  stratagem 
or  superior  force.  General  Brown  had  succeeded  in 
capturing  Drummond's  entire  army. 

Bro^\m  and  Scott  both  being  disabled,  the  com- 
mand devolved  on  Major  Ripley,  who  retreated  to 
Fort  Erie,  where  General  Gaines  soon  after  arrived, 
and  relieved  him.  Scott's  last  wound  was  a  severe 
one.  A  musket  ball  had  shattered  his  shoulder 
dreadfully,  and  a  long  time  it  was  extremely  doubt- 
ful whether  he  ever  recovered.     IIo  sufi'cred  excru- 


WOUNDED.  59 

dating  pain  from  it,  and  it  was  September  before 
lie  ventured  to  travel,  and  then  slowly  and  with  great 
care.  His  progress  was  a  constant  ovation.  The 
young  and  wounded  chieftain  was  hailed  on  his  pas- 
sage with  salvos  of  artillery,  and  shouts  of  freemen. 
lie  arrived  at  Princeton  on  commencement  day  of 
IN'assau  Hall.  The  professors  immediately  sent  a 
delegation  requesting  his  attendance  at  the  church. 
Leaning  on  the  arm  of  his  gallant  aid-de-camp, 
Worth — ^liis  arm  in  a  sling,  and  his  countenance 
haggard  and  worn  from  his  long  suffering  and  con- 
finement, the  tall  young  warrior  slowly  moved  up 
the  aisle,  and  v/ith  great  difficulty  ascended  the  steps 
to  the  stage.  At  first  sight  of  the  invalid,  looking 
so  unlike  the  dashing,  fearless  commander,  a  mur- 
mur of  sympathy  ran  through  the  house,  the  next 
moment  there  went  up  a  shout  that  shook  the  build- 
ing to  its  foundations.  A  flush  passed  over  the  j)''^!- 
lid  features — ^the  eye  kindled,  and  the  enthusiastic 
young  soldier  received  in  that  moment  the  reward 
which  springs  from  the  consciousness  of  having  ob- 
tained a  place  in  the  heart  of  his  country. 

He  was  complimented  with  the  honorary  degree 
of  Master  of  Arts.  Passing  on  to  Baltimore,  then 
threatened  with  an  attack  by  the  British,  he  finally 
so  far  recovered  as  to  take  command  in  the  middle 
of  October  of  the  tenth  military  district,  and  estab- 
lished his  headquarters  at  Washington  City.     Here, 


60  WIXriELD   SCOTT. 

and  at  Baltimore,  lie  passed  the  winter.  The  treaty 
of  peace  having  been  received  in  February,  he  was 
offered  the  place  of  Secretary  of  AYar,  but  declined 
on  the  ground  of  his  youth.  He  then  was  asked  to 
serve  as  Secretary,  till  Mr.  Crawford,  our  Minister  at 
Paris,  could  return,  who  was  designated  to  fill  the 
place.  This  he  also  declined  out  of  respect  to 
Generals  Brown  and  Jackson,  his  seniors,  as  the 
Secretary,  under  the  President,  has  the  control  of 
the  army. 

Having  assisted  in  reducing  the  army  to  the 
peace  establishment,  he  was  sent  to  Euroj)e  by  the 
Government,  for  the  double  pui-pose  of  restoring  his 
health,  and  the  perfecting  himself  in  military 
science.  He  was  also  entrusted  with  certain  diplo- 
matic power,  and  was  instructed  to  ascertain  the 
views  entertained  by  the  Em-opean  Courts  of  the 
revolutionary  movements  in  the  Spanish  possessions 
in  this  country,  and  also  the  designs  of  England  on 
Cuba.  He  received  letters  of  introduction  from 
Kosciusko  to  Marshals  McDonald  Oudinot  and  Du- 
pont,  who  had  been  the  props  of  ITapoleon  through 
his  long  and  wondrous  career.  The  battle  of  Water- 
loo had  just  been  fought,  and  the  greatest  military 
captain  of  modern  times  was  a  homeless  fugitive. 
Fresh  from  the  battle-fields  of  his  own  coimtry, 
young  Scott  trod  those  equally  fresh  and  greater 
ones  of  Europe  with  strange  feelings.     Just  at  the 


VISITS   EUROPE.  61 

point  where  lie  would  devour  all  military  informa- 
tion with  the  greatest  avidity,  he  was  in  the  midst 
of  scones,  and  men,  and  distinguished  officers,  who 
were  best  qualified  to  impart  it.  Europe  w^as  filled 
with  nothing  but  Bonaparte  and  his  campaigns, 
and  it  was  net  strange  that  under  these  circum- 
stances, and  this  tuition,  he  should  learn  fast.  He 
trod  the  great  battle-fields  of  the  Continent  with  a 
keen  and  inquiring  spirit,  and  laid  up  treasures  of 
knowledge,  which  afterwards  served  him  well,  and 
raised  him  and  the  nation  from  defeat  and  disgrace. 
He  also  attended  public  lectures  on  the  subject  of 
military  art.  He  retm^ned  in  1816,  and  was  given 
the  command  of  the  sea-board.  In  March  of  the 
next  year,  he  married  Maria  Mayo,  daughter  of 
John  Mayo,  of  Eichmond,  Yirginia,  a  lady  of  rare 
endo^inents  and  accomplishments.  .  He  took  up  his 
residence  at  Elizabethtown,  which  continued  to  be 
his  home  for  the  next  twenty  years.  Honors  were 
showered  on  him,  swords  presented  him  by  the 
States  of  Yirginia  and  ISTew  York,  and  medals 
struck  to  show  the  estimation  placed  on  his  services 
by  the  republic. 

At  this  time,  a  misunderstanding  occurred  be- 
tween him  and  General  Jackson,  growing  out  of  an 
order  of  the  latter  to  his  division,  forbidding  the 
execution  of  commands  of  the  department  unless 
transmitted  through  him.     Tliis  General  Scott  in 


62  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

conversation  in  Kew  York  pronoimced  wrong  and 
nmtinons.  The  conversation  ^vas  reported  to  Jack- 
son, and  a  ckallenge  was  the  conseqnence.  Scott 
defended  his  opinions,  bnt  refused  to  accept  the 
challenge.  The  hero  of  Chippewa  and  Kiagara  did 
not  think  it  necessary  to  fight  about  so  small  a  mat- 
ter, and  thus  nobly,  by  his  personal  example,  ex- 
pressed his  disapprobation  of  this  barbarous  and 
brutal  mode  of  settling  differences  of  oj)inion. 

Several  years  after,  in  1823,  Scott  being  in  "Wash- 
ington, wrote  Jackson  a  frank  and  manly  letter  pre- 
paratory to  reconciliation.  This  was  responded  to 
in  a  similar  spirit,  and  this  foolish  quarrel  between 
two  heroes  amicably  settled. 

:  At  this  time  Scott  enlisted  warnxly  in  the  cause 
of  temperance,  and  wrote  several  essays  on  the 
subject. 

In  1832,  he  was  ordered  AYest,  to  put  an  end  to  tlie 
Black  Hawk  war.  He  embarked  with  nine  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  at  Bufialo  for  Chicago,  but  before  be 
had  proceeded  far,  the  Asiatic  cholera  broke  out  among 
the  troops.  The  footsteps  of  this  terrible  destroyer  had 
just  been  heard  on  our  shores,  and  consternation  and 
dread  seized  the  entire  population.  Men  and  women 
fled  from  his  presence,  and  pale  horror  sat  on  every 
countenance.  Scott  with  his  stafi",  and  two  hundred 
and  twenty  men  were  on  one  boat,  and  though  he 
landed  at  Chicago  only  two  days  after  the  pestilence 


SOOTT   AND   TUE   CHOLERA.  63 

appeared  on  board, — vet  in  that  short  interval,  so 
swift  and  fearful  were  its  ravages,  that  fiftj-two  had 
died,  and  eighty  were  sick.  The  well  were  immedi- 
ately sent  forward,  but  this  invisible  foe  marched 
in  their  midst.  Men  sunk  and  died  in  groups  under 
the  trees,  and  their  bodies  were  left  unburied.  The 
inhabitants  fled  from  the  presence  of  the  sick,  who 
were  strewn  along  the  road.  In  a  short  time,  out  of 
the  nine  hundred  and  fifty,  only  four  hundred  remained 
alive.  Scott,  though  ill  himself,  remained  at  Chicago 
for  some  time  to  attend  to  the  wretched  suiferers  that 
each  of  the  four  steamboats  had  disgorged  in  that  port. 
Apparently  forgetful  of  his  own  danger,  he  moved 
amid  this  terrible  scourge,  calm  and  fearless  as  he 
had  done  over  the  field  of  battle.  He  visited  every 
sick  room,  bent  over  every  dying  soldier,  and  inhal- 
ing at  every  step  the  poisonous  atmosphere,  nobly 
strove  to  allay  the  panic  of  officers  and  the  terror  of  the 
men.  This  fatherly  care  of  his  soldiers  has  always 
endeared  him  to  the  army,  for  he  shares  with  them 
every  privation. 

As  soon  as  he  could  get  away  he  followed  the  track 
of  his  decimated  army  and  hastened  to  join  Gen. 
Atkinson  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  He  arrived  the  day 
after  the  battle  of  Bad  Axe,  which  prostrated  the 
power  of  Black  Hawk,  and  ended  the  war.  The 
regulars  of  the  army  were  then  established  at  Rock 
Island,  where  in  the  middle  of  August,  the  cholera 


64:  WCTFIELD   SCOTT. 

broke    out,   sending    terror    tbrongli  the    hearts   of 
officers  and  men. 

Scott  immediately  devoted  himself  to  tlie  sick,  and 
set  an  example  of  calm  serenity,  which  evinced  the 
true  hero,  far  more  than  his  desperate  charges  at 
Lundy's  Lane.  Says  an  officer  an  eye-witness  of  his 
conduct ;  "  it  is  well  known  that  the  troops  in  that 
service,  suffered  severely  from  the  cholera,  a  disease 
frightful  enough  from  its  rapid  and  fatal  effects ;  but 
which  came  among  us  the  more  so  from  the  known  inex- 
perience of  our  medical  men,  and  from  the  general  be- 
lief at  that  time  in  its  contagiousness.  Under  such 
circumstances,  it  was  clearly  the  general's  duty  to  give 
the  best  general  directions  he  could  for  proper  attend- 
ance to  the  sick,  and  for  preventing  the  spread  of  the 
disease.  When  he  had  done  this,  his  duty  was 
Derformed  and  he  mio-ht  have  left  the  rest  to  his 
medical  officers.  But  such  was  not  his  course.  He 
thought  he  had  other  duties  to  perform,  that  his 
personal  safety  must  be  disregarded  to  visit  the  sick, 
to  cheer  the  well,  to  encourage  the  attendants,  to  set 
an  example  to  all — in  a  word  to  save  the  lives  of 
others  at  the  risk  of  his  own.  All  this  he  did 
faithfully,  and  when  he  could  have  no  other  motive 
than  that  of  doing  good.  Here  was  no  glory  to  be 
acquired  ;  here  were  none  of  the  excitements  of  the 
battle-field ;  here  was  no  shame  to  be  avoided  or 
disgrace  to  be  feared ;  because  his  general  arrangements 


CAEE   OF   TnE   SICK.  65 

and  directions  to  those  whose  part  it  was  to  battle 
with  sickness  had  satisfied  duty.  To  those  who  can 
remember  the  terror  which  at  that  time  paralyzed 
every  heart,  this  conduct  of  Scott,  while  he  himself 
vras  suffering  under  the  symptoms  of  disease,  will 
stamp  him  not  only  the  hero  of  the  battle-field,  but  the 
hero  of  humanity,  and  the  true  heart  will  encircle  his 
brow  with  a  wreath  more  enduring  and  sweeter  to  look 
on  than  that  which  victory  has  woven  for  his  temples. 

The  cholera  having  at  length  subsided,  Scott 
turned  his  attention  to  the  Indian  difficulties,  and  at 
length,  with  the  aid  of  Governor  Eeynolds,  con- 
cluded satisfactory  treaties  with  the  Sacs,  Foxes,  and 
Winnebagoes.  His  conduct  throughout  the  whole 
was  marked  by  great  ability,  and  while  he  secured 
the  rights  of  his  government,  he  won  the  respect 
and  love  of  the  savage  chiefs  wdth  whom  he  had 
negotiated. 

Soon  after  his  return  he  was  despatched  by  Gen. 
Jackson  with  a  confidential  order  to  take  command 
in  South  Carolina,  to  arrest  the  arm  of  disunion. 
The  quiet  and  unostentatious  manner  in  which  he 
assumed  the  direction  of  affairs — the  deep  solicitude 
he  felt  for  the  welfare  of  the  people — ^his  earnest 
anxiety  to  preserve  peace,  helped  to  allay  the  excite- 
ment, while  at  the  same  time  his  secret  dispositions 
were  made  with  so  much  skill  and  despatch,  that 
before  the  disiinionists  were  aware  of  his  pui-pose, 


66  WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

the  harbor  and  defences  of  Charleston  were  com- 
pletely in  his  grasp  and  their  power  prostrated. 

In  January,  1836,  Scott  was  ordered  into  Florida, 
to  brino'  to  a  close  the  Seminole  war  which  Osceola 
was  waging  so  fiercely  against  the  inhabitants.  This 
short  campaign  was  a  failure,  and  Scott  was  ordered 
home  in  an  extraordinary  manner.  On  his  retm-n 
to  Washington,  he  demanded  a  court-martial,  which 
declared  that  his  Seminole  campaign  was  well  de- 
vised and  well  carried  out,  and  that  his  plans  for 
prosecuting  the  Creek  war  were  also  wise,  and  in  a 
fair  way  of  leading  to  successful  results  when  he  was 
recalled.  The  next  year  he  was  ordered  to  the 
Niagara  frontier  to  allay  the  excitement  occasioned 
by  Yan  Ranselaer's  invasion  of  Canada,  and  the 
assistance  rendered  by  American  citizens  to  the 
patriots  who  had  revolted  from  the  British  govern- 
ment. Enraged  to  find  an  American  camp  on  their 
territory,  the  British  resolved  in  revenge  to  seize  the 
Caroline,  a  little  steamer  used  as  a  ferry  boat  be- 
tween the  American  shore  and  Kavy  Island,  on 
which  Yan  Eanselaer's  army  lay.  A  secret  expedi- 
tion was  fitted  out;  the  Caroline  was  attacked 
while  moored  to  the  American  shore,  one  man  on 
board  of  her  killed,  and  several  wounded,  and  she 
til  en  cut  adrift,  set  on  fire,  and  sent  over  the  Falls. 
The  news  soon  spread,  and  with  it  a  rumor  that 
several  American  citizens  had  been  sent  over  the 


A    PEACE-MAKER.  67 

falls  in  her.  Great  excitement  followed ;  men  flew 
to  arms ;  threats  of  retaliation  were  heard  on  every 
Bide,  and  a  collision  between  the  two  govern- 
ments seemed  inevitable.  This  was  the  state  of 
things  when  Scott  arrived  on  the  scene  of  his  early 
exploits,  not  to  lead  his  columns  to  battle,  but  to  act 
as  a  peacemaker.  The  winter  of  1838-9  was  one  of 
constant  toil  to  him.  From  Detroit  to  Yermont  all 
aloncr  the  line  he  travelled  almost  constantly — ^baf- 
fling  the  eflorts  of  conspirators — intercepting  corres- 
pondence and  allaying  excitement.  He  frequently 
addressed  the  citizens  on  their  duties,  proclaiming 
everywhere  that  he  would  preserve  the  neutrality 
of  the  United  States  at  all  hazards.  He  would 
walk  alone  into  the  midst  of  a  band  of  patriots  and 
harangue  them  on  the  course  they  were  pursuing, 
and  exhort  them  to  return  to  their  obedience.  His 
name  was  written  in  light  on  every  rood  of  that 
frontier — the  fields  of  his  fame  lay  in  sight,  and  the 
people  loved  and  honored  him  despite  his  deter- 
mined hostility  to  their  wishes.  In  January,  the 
Barcelona,  a  steamer,  was  cut  out  of  the  ice  in  Buf- 
falo harbor,  and  taken  down  the  river  to  be  oifered 
to  the  patriots  in  place  of  the  Caroline.  Scott  hear- 
ing of  it,  had  those  in  possession  of  her  arrested, 
while  at  the  same  time  he  hired  her  for  the  United 
States  service  before  the  patriots  could  find  means 
to    guarantee    the  owners  against  loss.     The  Brit- 


G8  -WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

isli    on    Grand    Island,    knowing    for    what ,  pur- 
pose the  iJarceluiia  had  been  taken  down  the  river, 
and  being  informed  that  she  was  on  her  way  back, 
determined  to  sink  her  as  she  passed.     Three  armed 
schooners  were  also  lying  in  wait  for  her.     Scott 
had    sent    a  pacific  note    to    the    commander    of 
these  last,  remonstrating  against  any  attack  on  a 
boat  moving  in    the   American    waters.     On   the 
morning  of  the  16th  of  January,  the  smoke  of  the 
Barcelona  was  seen   in   the   distance,  as   the   boat 
slowly  stemmed  the  rapid   cm-rent.     Scott  saw  it, 
and   saw   too  that  the  vessels  kept  their  position, 
and  that  on  the  opposite  shore  cannon  were  placed 
in  battery,  so  as  to  sink  the  steamer  the  moment 
she  came  within  range.     He  immediately  ordered 
the  American  batteries  in  position,  the  gims  loaded, 
and  the  matches  lighted.     The  shore  was  lined  with 
thousands    anxiously   awaiting    the    moment    that 
would  probably  decide  the  question  of  peace  or  war. 
In  full  uniform,  in  sight  of  all,  his  tall  fonn  erect 
and  motionless,  Scott  stood  on   the   pier  of  Black 
Rock,  with  his  eye  fixed  on  the  slowly  ap]3roaching 
boat.     The  echo  of  the  first  hostile  cannon  would 
not  have  died  away,  before  American  balls  would 
have  been  crashing  into  those  schooners.     The  boat 
kept  on  her  way  unmolested,  and  the  threatened  rup- 
ture with  England  prevented. 

The  whole  manai]fement  of  this  affair  was  mas- 


PEACE   MADE.  69 

terlj,  and  exhibited  tlie  statesman,  diplomatist,  and 
patriot,  in  noble  and  striking  harmony.  A  single 
mistake  or  foolish  bravado  might  have  precipitated 
the  country  in  all  the  horrors  of  war.  This  triumph- 
ing as  a  peace-maker  on  the  very  spot  where  he 
had  won  his  renown  as  a  warrior,  entitles  him  to  a 
double  chaplet. 

In  the  6j)ring  he  was  ordered  to  superintend  the 
removal  of  the  Cherokees  west.  Opposition  and 
violence  w^ere  expected,  but  General  Scott  by  his 
kindness,  generosity,  and  humanity,  won  the  entire 
nation  to  his  views,  and  removed  those  fifteen  thou- 
sand exiles  from  their  hunting-grounds — the  graves 
of  their  fathers,  and  all  that  makes  home  dear,  with- 
out being  compelled  to  resort  to  a  single  act  of  vio- 
lence. He  exhibited  a  fatherly  care  for  the  red  and 
de^^ressed  fugitives,  and  showed  how  beautiful  is 
bravery  when  tempered  with  humanity. 

While  following  the  line  of  emigration,  he  was 
overtaken  at  [N^ashville,  by  an  express  from  Wash- 
ington, ordering  his  immediate  presence  on  the 
northern  frontier,  which  was  again  in  a  blaze.  Hur- 
rying across  the  country,  he  arrived  at  Cleveland  and 
Detroit  in  time  to  arrest  the  flames  of  discord  that 
threatened  to  overleap  all  barriers,  and  passing 
down  the  line  to  Yermont,  restored  order  and 
tranqiulity. 


CHAPTEE  m. 

Scott  preserves  pc-ace  on  the  Maine  boundary— Fri en rlship  between  him  and  the 
Governor  of  New  Brunswick — Appointed  Commander-in-cbief— Treatment  at 
"SVasbington — Takes  charge  of  the  Army  in  Mexico— Martial-law  orders — Fire  in 
the  rear— Landing  at  Vera  Cruz— The  seige  and  capture  of  the  city— March  to 
Cerra  Gordo— The  battle— Entrance  of  Jalapa— Of  Puebla— Eeduction  of  tha 
army. 

Gexeeal  Scott,  called  from  the  arduous  duty  of  re- 
moving the  Cherokees,  to  allay  the  excitement  on 
our  northern  frontier,  no  sooner  succeeded  in  his 
mission  than  he  was  appointed  to  settle  the  difficul- 
ties on  the  Maine  boundary,  which  threatened 
momentarily  to  plunge  the  nation  into  a  war  with 
England.  At  this  time  the  whole  northern  frontier 
of  Maine  was  in  a  state  of  the  most  intense  excite- 
ment. Trespassers  fix)m  both  sides  had  been  caught 
in  the  act  of  encroaching.  Tlie  establishment  of 
British  and  American  military  posts  followed.  Tlie 
land  agent  sent  by  the  State  of  Maine  with  an  anned 
force  to  drive  off  trespassers,  was  seized  and  thrown 
into  prison.     Enraged  at  this  act  of  \'iolence,  the 


PACIFICATOR.  71 

legislatm-e  passed  an  act  placing  eight  tlionsand 
Tolunteers  and  eight  hundred  thousand  dollars  at 
the  disposal  of  the  State.  Part  of  the  troops  were 
raised,  and  already  on  the  march  for  the  scene  of 
action.  A  British  force  was  also  advancing  to  repel 
this  militaiy  demonstration.  All  correspondence  be- 
tween the  two  governors  of  Maine  and  IS'ew  Bruns- 
wick had  ceased,  and  nothing  now  seemed  able  to 
avert  open  hostilities.  John  Quincj  Adams  de- 
clared in  Congress  that  the  dispute  had  reached  a 
point  where  arms  must  settle  the  question,  and  for 
one  he  was  "not  disposed  to  have  much  further 
negotiation."  The  state  authorities  were  resolved  to 
push  mattei-s  to  extremes.  It  was  not  an  inactive 
state  of  great  excitement,  needing  a  spark  to  kindle 
a  conflagration,  but  everything  was  moving  directly 
and  rapidly  to  war.  Scott  hastening  to  Augusta, 
passed  on  the  way  bodies  of  volunteers  eager  for 
battle,  who  hailed  him  with  shouts  as  their  future 
leader.  He  found  everything  in  commotion.  "  War," 
"  war,"  was  the  cry  on  every  side,  and  in  three  days 
more  blood  would  have  flowed,  and  a  struggle 
commenced,  whose  termination  ^q  one  could  fore- 
tell. Surrounded  by  men  filled  with  indignation, 
^and  breathing  threats  of  vengeance — ^his  ears  con- 
stantly assailed  with  the  most  exaggerated  stories  of 
^Tong  and  outrage  committed  on  the  frontiers-men, 
and  his  passions  plied  by  the  threats  and  bravadoes 


r^  WLSTIELD    SCOTT. 

of  tlie  English  troops,  it  is  a  wonder  he  did  not  fall 
in  with  the  current  of  popular  indignation,  and  in- 
stead of  endeavoring  to  re-open  a  correspondence 
with  the  governor  of  Xew  Brunswick,  put  himself  at 
the  head  of  the  gallant  troops  assemhling  from  every 
point,  and  di*ive  back  the  enemy  he  had  long  before 
trampled  imder  foot  at  Chippewa  and  Lundy's  Lane. 
But  the  general  was  more  peaceable  than  the  gover- 
nor. A  fortunate  circumstance  aided  the  former  in 
his  pacific  intentions.  Major  General  Harvey,  Go- 
vernor of  ]^ew  Brunswick,  was  lieutenant-colonel  in 
the  British  army  during  the  war  of  1S12.  In  1813,  he 
and  Scott  were  both  adjutant-generals  in  their  re- 
spective armies,  and  each  being  the  head  of  his  staff, 
all  communications,  flags  of  truce,  etc.,  passed 
through  them,  thus  establishing  an  acquaintance. 
Their  correspondence  also,  respecting  prisoners — in 
providing  for  their  wants,  exchange,  &c.,  led  to  a 
high-minded  and  chivalric  regard  for  each  other. 
They  were  both  tall,  commanding  figures,  and  were 
always  seen  in  the  front  of  battle.  It  recalled 
the  deeds  and  bearing  of  the  knights  of  old  to  see 
these  two  fearless  young  giants  saluting  each  other 
in  friendly  recognition,  as  they  closed  in  mortal 
combat. 

On  one  occasion  Scott  thought  he  had  his  gallant 
adversary  in  his  j)Ower.  He  was  out  reconnoitering, 
and  in  a  skirmish  that  followed,  managed  to  cut  him 


THE    MAINE    DIFFICTLTTES.  73 

off,  SO  that  escape  seeined  impossible.  Harvey,  sit- 
ting quietly  on  his  horse,  saw  at  a  glance  his  peril- 
ous position.  At  the  same  instant  an  American 
rifle  was  levelled  at  him.  Scott  springing  forward, 
knocked  np  the  muzzle  of  the  piece  with  his  sword, 
exclaiming,  "  hold,  he  is  our  prisoner."  But  Harvey 
not  relishing  the  humiliation  of  a  capture,  wheeled 
his  horse  suddenly,  and  forcing  him  to  a  desperate 
leap,  escaped.  On  another  occasion,  his  port- 
manteau was  captured  by  the  Americans,  in  which 
was  found  a  splendid  coat,  and  a  miniature  of  his 
young  and  beautiful  wife,  in  England.  Tliis  coming 
to  Scott's  ears,  he  purchased  them  with  his  own 
money,  and  sent  them  back  to  his  equally  noble  ad- 
versary. To  pave  the  way  still  more  to  the  opening 
of  a  friendly  correspondence,  Scott,  at  this  time,  had 
in  his  pocket  a  private  note  from  Harvey,  which  he 
had  not  answered.  The  reply  to  this  was  soon  fol- 
lowed by  other  letters,  wdiich  the  latter  at  length 
allowed  to  be  considered  semi-ofiicial.  A  friendly 
feeling  between  the  two  negotiators  led  to  the  ex- 
pression of  friendly  sentiments.  Anger  was  allayed, 
excitement  quelled,  and  soon  after  Governor  Harvey 
took  the  first  conciliatory  step,  by  issuing  a  proclama- 
tion, which,  in  turn,  led  to  a  recall  of  the  troops  of 
Maine  from  the  border.  Tranquillity  was  restored,  the 
way  opened  for  negotiation,  and  all  difliculties  were 
at  length  settled  by  the  famous  Asliburton  treaty. 
4 


<i  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

Thus,  a  fourtli  time,  liad  Scott  been  tlie  great  pacifi- 
cator. To  see  liis  calm,  noble  determination  tlirougli 
all  these  difficulties  to  keep  the  nation  from  war,  one 
would  think  he  had  lost  all  relish  for  his  profession, 
all  desire  to  win  distinction  on  the  battle-field.^ 

Major-General  Macomb  dying  in  1S41,  the  com- 
mand of  the  entire  army  of  the  Republic  devolved  on 
General  Scott.  He  continued  to  fulfil  the  duties 
attached  to  this  position  in  time  of  peace  down  to 
1S46,  when  the  administration,  without  forethought 
or  preparation,  plunged  the  nation  into  a  war  with 
Mexico.  It  does  not  come  into  the  scope  of  this  work 
to  discuss  the  measures  that  led  to  hostilities. 

On  the  28th  of  March  of  this  year.  General  Taylor 
drew  up  his  army  of  4000  men  on  the  banks  of  the 
Eio  Grande,  and  planted  his  guns  within  range  of 
Metamoras.  The  brilliant  victories  of  Palo  Alto, 
Eesaca  de  la  Palma,  Monterey,  crowned  with  the 
triumph  of  Buena  Yista,  followed  in  rapid  succession. 
Scott,  in  the  mean  time,  was  ordered  by  the  Presi- 
dent to  remain  in  Washington,  his  counsels  unheeded 
and  his  services  "despised.  But  tlie  dangers  that 
thickened  daily  around  the  American  army,  at  lengtli 
forced  the  administration  to  seek  the  services  of  the 
man  whom  they  had  neglected,  and  wlio  alone  could 
help  them  out  of  the  embarassments  into  which  they 
had  plunged  themselves.     Perhaps  the  growing  repu- 

*Vide  Correspondence,  page  198. 


V 


'\ 


STARTS   FOR    MEXICO.  75 

tatlon  of  Taylor  had  also  something  to  do  with  the 
sudden  wish  to  have  Scott  at  the  head  of  the  army. 

On  the  18th  of  November  he  was  ordered  to  hold 
himself  in  readiness.  Yera  Cruz  was  to  be  the  first 
point  of  attack,  and  form  the  basis  of  all  future  opera- 
tions in  the  heart  of  Mexico. 

On  the  30th  Scott  took  his  departure,  in  the  full 
belief  that  the  President  designed  to  sustain  him. 
But  he  who  relied  on  the  word  or  promise  of  Presi- 
dent Polk,  trusted  to  a  broken  reed.  Before  Scott 
left,  the  President  sent  for  him,  told  him  of  the  sleep- 
less nights  which  the  Mexican  war  had  given  him, 
expressed  his  great  anxiety  to  have  it  brought  to  a 
close,  and  said  that  on  his  genius,  energy,  and  daring 
the  future  progress  of  the  war  must  depend.  Scott, 
incapable  of  duplicity  himself,  could  not  believe  it  in 
others.  He  was  moved  by  the  feeling  and  apparent 
sincerity  of  the  President,  and  giving  all  his  former 
distrust  to  the  wind,  said  everywhere  to  his  friends,  \ 
"  The  President  has  acted  nobly."  And  yet,  at  the  K 
same  time,  this  conscientious  President  was  organiz- 
ing a  scheme  to  supersede  the  Commander-in-Chief,  ^\ 
(whom  he  had  just  sent  to  the  head  of  the  army),  and  "* 
place  him  under  the  control  of  a  Lieutenant-General, 
without  experience,  and  without  military  knowledge. 
!N"othing  but  the  patriotism  of  Congress  prevented 
the  success  of  this  scandalous  plot. 

When  Scott  arrived  at  New  Orleans,  on  his  way  to 


76  WIXriELD   SCOTT. 

tlie  Rio  Grande,  a  friend  waited  on  him,  and  told  Lim 
that  he  had  a  letter  from  Senator  Barrow,  in  which 
this  scheme  was  divulged.  Scott  did  not  believe  it, 
and  replied, — "  Tellfneml  Barrow  it  is  not  jpossible  : 
An  American  President  cannot  he  guilty  of  treachery.'''' 
One  hardly  knows  at  which  to  be  most  amazed — the 
folly  or  dishonorable  character  of  this  transaction. 

Its  success  would  have  covered  the  authors  of  it 
with  infamy,  and  our  arms  with  disgrace.  It  had  not 
the  merit  of  sagacity  to  conceal  its  moral  turpitude. 

Scott's  arrival  at  Tampico  was  the  signal  of  an 
entire  revolution  in  the  character  of  the  American 
army.  The  cold-blooded  murders,  acts  of  violence  to 
females,  and  open  robberies,  committed  by  General 
Taylor's  army,  frightful  as  they  appeared,  were 
not  half  known  to  our  people.  The  General  had 
detailed  these  things  to  the  government,  and  asked 
what  should  be  done.  "  Send  tlie  criminals  aimy^'' 
was  the  imbecile  reply  of  the  Secretary.  Bnt 
the  moment  vScott  took  command,  he  issued  his 
famous  martial  law  orders,  in  which  he  declared  he 
would  bring  every  offender,  whether  American  or 
Mexican,  before  court-martial,  and  deal  with  him  as 
he  would  be  dealt  with  in  the  United  States.  There 
was  no  act,  from  first  to  last,  that  conduced  so  much 
to  the  success  of  the  campaign  as  this.  The  good  be- 
havior of  the   army   which  was  thus  secured,   dis- 


ASSEMBLES    niS    ARMY.  77 

armed  the  Mexicans,  and  the  invaders  were  treated  as 
friends. 

In  the  meantime,  the  bill  in  Congress  to  raise  ten 
additional  regiments,  was  compelled  to  make  room 
for  the  grand  scheme  of  appointing  a  lieutenant-gene- 
ral, and  was  not  acted  on  till  the  close  of  the  session. 
Scott  was  thns  left  without  the  resources  upon  which 
he  had  relied.  Delay,  however,  was  impossible  ; 
for  he  knew  the  vomito  made  its  appearance  in  Yera 
Cruz  early  in  the  spring,  and  if  the  victorious  army 
was  not  on  the  table-lands  of  Mexico  before  that 
time,  it  would  sink  before  a  deadlier  foe  than  lay  be- 
hind the  walls  of  the  city.  Leaving,  therefore,  ten 
thousand  men  within  the  limits  of  Taylor's  com- 
mand, he  assembled  twelve  thousand  at  the  island 
of  Lobos,  a  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles  from 
Yera  Cruz.  Having  reconnoitered  the  city,  and  se- 
lected a  spot  west  of  the  island  of  Sacrificios,  for  the 
landing,  he,  on  the  9th  of  March,  ordered  the  troops 
on  board  the  ships-of-war,  and  set  sail.  As  the  fleet 
stood  out  to  sea,  Scott,  on  board  the  steamer  Massa- 
chusetts, passed  slowly  through  it.  The  decks  of 
every  vessel  were  crowded  with  soldiers,  and  as  they 
caught  sight  of  the  tall  form  of  their  commander,  there 
went  up  a  shout  from  the  whole  squadron — bugles 
rang,  and  the  thrilling  salute  of  bands  of  music 
floated  cheerily  over  the  water.  He  had  started 
from  Washington,  as  he  had  said,  with  "  a  fire  in  his 


To  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

rear,"  and  this  new  scheme  to  suj^pLant  him,  showed 
what  a  deadly  and  venomous  direction  it  was  taking. 
His  noble  heart  was  filled  with  anxiety,  for  he  knew 
even  if  that  should  fail,  every  movement  would  be 
narrowly  watched,  and  the  first  mishap  used  to  efi"ect 
his  disgrace.  The  grand  spectacle  before  him,  and 
the  consciousness  that  he  was  in  the  midst  of  a  gal- 
lant army,  could  not  drive  these  thoughts  from  his 
breast,  and  turning  to  the  "West  Point  officers  that 
stood  grouped  about  him,  he  said  :  "  Gentlemen,  I 
am  entering  upon  this  campaign  with  a  halter 
around  my  neck  ;  the  end  of  it  is  at  Washington, 
and  they  are  ruthless  executioners.  Success  is  abso- 
lutely necessary,  and  I  expect  you,  my  young 
friends,  to  get  this  halter  off  for  me."  Gallant,  yet 
sad  words  for  a  commander  to  use  who  is  about  to 
peril  his  life  on  the  battle-field  at  the  call  of  his 
country.  Eight  nobly  did  these  brave  men  tear  that 
halter  from  his  neck,  and  hung  there  instead  trophies 
innumerable,  that  no  hate  of  faction  or  perversion 
of  histoiy  can  ever  remove. 


LAIsDIXG   AT   VERA  CEUZ. 

Scott  expected  that  the  Mexicans  would  resist  the 
landing  of  the  troops,  and  he,  therefore,  as  soon  as 
the  fleet  reached  its  position,  ordered  two  steamers 
aud  five  gun-boats  to  be  ranged  in  a  line,  with  their 


THE    LANDING. 


guns  commanding  tlie  beacli  where  the  debarkation 
was  to  take  place.  Everything  being  ready,  five 
thousand  five  hundred  men  were  placed  in  sixty- 
seven  surf-boats. 

The  scene  at  this  moment  was  indescribably  beauti- 
ful and  thrilling.    Those  sixty-seven  boats,  laden  with 
men  and  fluttering  with  standards,   fell   back  in   a 
semicircle  towards  the   vessels  that  were   to   cover 
them,  while  far  away  glittered  in  the  rays  of  the  set- 
ting sun  the  domes  and  towers  of  Yera  Cruz,  sur- 
mounted by  the  stern  battlements  of  the  castle  of  San 
Juan  d'Ulloa.     Kearer  by,  stretched  away  the  low 
sand  hills  of  the  coast,  against  which  the  surf  was 
beating  with  a  monotonous  roar.      The   spars   and 
rigging  of  the   foreign   ships    in  the    harbor  were 
covered  with  spectators,  gazing  on  the  new,  unwonted 
scene.     A  slight  breeze  ruffled  the   surface  of  the 
water,  while  the  blue  sky  and  an  unclouded  sun,  sink- 
ing to  his  evening  repose,  shed  their  light  and  beauty 
on  sea  and  land.     Scott  stood  on  the  deck  of  his 
vessel,  with  his  glass  in  his  hand,  now  scanning  the 
surf-boats  as  they  swelled  away  in  a  graceful  curve 
from  the  ships,  and  now  turning  an  anxious  eye  to 
the   distant  shore.     For   a  moment  perfect  silence 
reigned  throughout  the  fleet,  and  then  the  loud  report 
of  a  single  cannon  rung  over  the  water.    The  thunder 
of  that  signal  gun  had  scarce  died  away,  before  the 
bands  struck  up  a  lively  air ;  the  sweeps  sunk  in  the 


80  WrXFIELD   SCOTT. 

water,  and  like  a  single  wave,  those  sixty-seven  boats 
swept  steadily  and  swiftly  towards  the  shore.  Scott 
watched  their  progress  with  the  deepest  solicitude  ; 
but  at  length,  when  he  saw  the  soldiei-s  leap  into  the 
water,  and  rush  ashore,  and  plant  the  Stars  and 
Stripes  on  a  high  sand  hill  without  firing  a  gun,  he 
felt  that  the  city  was  his.  At  the  exciting  spectacle 
the  shouts  of  six  thousand  men  rolled  from  ship  to  ship 
till  their  blended  echoes  reached  the  shore,  and  were 
answered  by  still  louder  hurrahs.  The  sun  went  down 
on  that  gallant  army,  scarcely  visible  amid  the  sand 
hills,  which  every  moment  grew  dimmer  and  dimmer 
in  the  departing  light.  A  second  and  third  division 
followed,  and  by  ten  at  night  the  entire  army  of 
twelve  thousand  men  stood  up  in  battle  array  on  the 
barren  waste  that  surrounds  Yera  Cruz.  Amid  the 
thunder  of  cannon  and  explosion  of  shells  that  were 
hurled  from  the  city  and  castle,  each  division  moved 
to  its  assigned  post  with  the  same  regularity  and 
accuracy  they  had  been  accustomed  to  move  on 
parade. 

THE   SIEGE. 

Although  the  investment  of  the  place  was  com- 
pleted by  the  12th,  the  operations  were  suspended 
on  account  of  a  tierce  "  norther"  which  prevented 
the  landing  of  heavy  ordnance,  and  it  was  not  until 


THE  UOMBARDMENT  OF  VERA  CEUZ.        81 

the  22(1  that  Scott  sent  a  summons  to  the  governor  of 
the  town  to  surrender.  He  at  the  same  time  sent  safe- 
guards to  foreign  consuls  and  officers,  and  with  liis 
usual  humanity  gave  free  permission  to  remove  the 
women  and  children.  But  both  and  all  being  rej  ected, 
he  on  the  24th  opened  his  fire.  The  line  of  the  siege 
extended  1a.ye  miles,  and  on  the  25th,  from  limit  to 
limit  the  batteries  were  in  a  blaze.  Tlie  cannonade 
was  terrific  and  awful.  The  balls  of  the  twenty-four 
pounders  and  heavy  Paixhan  guns  dropped  with  the 
weight  of  falling  rocks  amid  the  dwellings  of  Vera 
Cruz,  while  the  domes  of  the  churches  rung  with 
the  concussion  of  shot  and  shells.  At  night  the 
scene  was  fearfully  grand.  The  walls  of  the  city 
and  castle  were  in  a  blaze  of  fire,  the  ships  in  the 
harbor  stood  revealed  in  the  light  of  their  own 
broadsides,  while  for  five  miles  all  through  those 
sand  hills  it  thundered  and  lightened  along  the 
American  line  in  incessant  explosions.  Shells  cross- 
ing in  every  direction  wove  their  fiery  net- work  over 
the  heavens,  and  droj^ped  blazing  among  the  terrified 
inhabitants  within,  followed  by  shrieks  and  cries  that 
were  borne  even  to  the  ears  of  the  besiegers.  Death 
in  its  most  frightfid  form  traversed  the  streets,  for  the 
victims,  whether  men,  women,  or  children,  were  torn 
and  mangled  by  the  heavy  shot  and  exploding  shells. 
Huge  gaps  appeared  in  the  walls,  through  which 
storming  parties  might  pass,  and  the  morning  of  the 


82  ■SVI]S  FIELD    SCOUT. 

26tli  dawned  on  a  battered,  monrnful,  and  doomed 
city. 

From  tlie  commencement  of  the  siege,  nearly  one 
Inmdred  and  thirty  tons  of  metal  had  been  hurled 
against  the  town,  spreading  devastation,  ruin,  and 
death  on  every  side.  The  consuls  of  foreign  powers, 
who  had  not  dreamed  of  such  a  terrific  siege,  sent  a 
request  to  Scott  for  a  safeguard  for  themselves,  the 
women,  and  children.  The  latter  replied  that  he 
had  fully  considered  the  sufferings  of  the  women 
and  children  before  he  had  fired  a  shot,  and  that  the 
responsibility  must  now  rest  on  those  who  had  re- 
fused his  ofler.  Tlie  town  and  fortress  surren- 
dered, and  with  them  five  thousand  prisoners,  and 
five  hundred  pieces  of  artillery.  The  flag  of  the 
rej^nblic  floated  from  the  top  of  San  Juan  D'Ulloa, 
and  the  first  great  blow  to  the  Mexican  power  had 
fallen. 

The  siege  of  Yera  Cruz  was  the  first  opportunity 
Scott  had  had  of  showing  the  results  of  his  studies 
in  Europe  and  at  home.  Two  battles  in  his  youth 
had  elevated  him  to  the  first  rank  in  the  army.  A 
long  interval  of  peace  followed,  and  the  youth  of 
twenty-eight  had  become  the  man  of  three  score. 
There  was  every  prospect  of  his  passing  off  the  stage 
without  giving  to  his  country  the  ripened  fruit  of 
the  tree  whose  blossoms  were  so  full  of  promise.  It 
does  not  always  follow  that  because  a  young  com- 


TAKING   OF   VERA   CRUZ.  83 

mander  lias  fought  a  bloody  and  victorious  battle, 
that  lie  can  plan  and  cany  to  a  successful  termina- 
tion a  long  and  difficult  campaign.  A  good  fighter 
is  not  always  a  good  thinker ;  still  Scott's  conduct 
while  on  the  northern  frontier  and  in  the  Cherokee 
country,  had  obtained  for  him  the  confidence  of  the 
nation,  and  great  things  were  expected  of  him. 
But  when  it  was  announced  that  Yera  Cruz — that 
Gibraltar  of  Mexico — had  fallen,  with  the  loss  to  the 
American  army  of  only  two  officers  and  a  few  sol- 
diers, men  were  filled  with  amazement.  The  soldiers 
themselves,  could  scarcely  believe  the  evidence  of 
their  own  senses.  Thirty  years  of  thought,  travel, 
and  study  had  not  been  thrown  away  on  the  Ameri- 
can commander.  Such  a  tiiumph  of  skill  and 
modem  science  had  never  been  witnessed  on  this 
continent.  Gen.  Taylor  had  shown  what  hard  fight- 
ing could  do,  but  here  was  an  exhibition  of  mind 
triumphing  over  castle  walls  and  well-manned  bat- 
teries. During  the  siege  many  of  the  younger 
officers  were  anxious  to  carry  the  place  by  storm. 
Said  Scott  to  them — "  How  many  men  do  you  sup- 
pose it  would  cost  to  do  it  ?"  "  Possibly  two  thou- 
sand or  twenty-five  hundred ;  it  would  depend  on 
circumstances."  "  But,"  replied  Scott,  "  I  can  take 
it  with  a  much  less  sacrifice."  "  Yes,"  was  the 
answer,  "  but  the  army  will  win  no  glory,  and 
officers  will  have  no  opportunity  to  distinguish  them- 


84  WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

Belves."  "  Remember,  gentlemen,"  replied  tlie  vetc- 
ran, — in  words  that  should  be  written  in  gold — 
"  that  a  convtnander  who  deliberately  sacrifices  one 
life  more  than  is  iiecessa^'y  to  secure  a  victory 
is  guilty  of  "iiviiTderrP  Like  Jackson,  he  was 
careful  as  a  father  of  his  soldiers ;  but  of  his  own 
life  he  was  reckless  enough.  One  day,  while  walk- 
ing the  trenches,  in  the  midst  of  the  firing,  he  saw 
some  soldiers  peeping  over  the  parapet  to  witness 
the  effect  of  their  shot.  "  Down,  down,  men,"  he 
exclaimed,  "  don't  expose  yourselves."  "  But,  gen- 
eral," replied  a  bold  fellow,  "  you  are  exposed." 
^'  Oh,"  said  he,  "  generals  now-a-days,  can  be  made 
out  of  anybody,  but  men  cannot  be  had."  Through- 
out the  siege  he  shared  with  his  troops  their  discom- 
forts, the  bivouac,  hard  fare,  cold  and  damp,  and  sand- 
storms, from  the  first  dtiy  to  the  last.  He  examined 
all  the  stations,  gave  orders  for  all  the  batteries  and 
their  fire,  and  indeed  knew  everything  that  was 
going  on.  lie,  by  the  ■  aid  of  his  well-appointed 
staff,  was  ubiquitous. 

Worth  having  been  appointed  temporary  governor 
of  Yera  Cruz,  Scott  began  his  march  for  the  city  of 
Mexico.  With  eight  thousand  men  he  pre|)ared  to 
pierce  the  inland,  dotted  with  fortifications  aud 
swarming  with  people.  Twiggs'  division  first  set 
off,  followed  in  a  few  days  by  others,  and  soon 
the  great  national  road  was  alive  with  the  march- 


CERRO   GORDO.  85 

iiig  columns.  On  the  third  day,  he  reached  the  base 
of  Cerro  Gordo,  and  in  front  of  powerful  batteries 
erected  on  the  intrenched  and  bamcaded  heights. 

BATTLE   OF   CEREO  GOEDO. 

The  mountain  shouldered  up  so  boldly  against 
the  river  that  skirted  its  base,  that  the  road 
left  the  banks,  and  wound  through  the  gorges  and 
along  the  ridges  till  it  finally  opened  on  the  rich 
plain  beyond.  Twiggs  having  reconnoitered  the 
enemy's  position,  resolved  at  once  to  attack  it.  But 
Patterson  having  joined  him  with  his  volunteers,  he 
was  induced  to  defer  it  till  the  arrival  of  Scott. 

The  latter  no  sooner  came  up  than  he  saw  a  front 
attack  would  cost  him  too  many  men,  if,  indeed,  it 
proved  successful  at  all.  The  batteries  were  placed 
on  almost  inaccessible  ridges  one  behind  the  other, 
and  all  enfilading  the  road  along  which  the  columns 
must  move.  Besides,  above  them  all,  on  the  highest 
point  of  Cerro  Gordo,  stood  a  tower  and  battery  com- 
manding the  entire  defences  below.  To  advance  in 
front  would  be  making  separate  entrenched  heights 
so  many  stepping  stones  to  a  last  and  almost  hope- 
less assault  on  the  topmost  battery.  He  saw  that  to 
climb  the  steep  and  slippery  heights,  surmounted  by 
the  lower  batteries,  only  to  receive  the  plunging  fire 
of  those  above,  would  be  terrible  work,  and  he  de- 
termined, if  possible,   to   avoid  it.     He,  therefore. 


86  Av INFIELD  scorr. 

made  a  new  reconiiaissaiice  and  found  that  a  road 
could  be  cut  around  tlie  mountain,  on  tlie  opposite 
side  from  tlie  river,  and  ascending  the  heights 
beyond,  intersect  the  national  road  behind  the 
Mexican  intrenchments.  He  could  thus  turn  the 
entire  position.  Working  parties  were  immediately 
detailed,  and  for  three  days  and  nights  they  toiled 
with  unflinching  zeal  before  they  were  discovered. 
Balls  and  grape  shot  were  then  thrown  among  them 
but  without  effect;  and  on  the  lYth,  the  road  was 
completed.  Twiggs  then  stormed  a  height  overlook- 
ing all  but  Cerro  Gordo,  and  took  it,  and  soon  as 
night  came,  detailed  a  thousand  men  to  bring  up 
cannon  with  which,  in  the  morning  he  could  fl.ing  a 
plunging  fire  on  the  exposed  encampments  below. 
A  heavy  twenty-four  pounder,  and  two  twenty-four 
pound  howitzers  were  to  be  lifted  up  the  almost 
perpendicular  sides  of  the  mountain,  hundreds  of 
feet  high.  Five  hundred  men  were  attached  to  a 
single  gun,  relieved  as  they  became  exhausted  by 
the  other  five  hundred.  The  night  was  dark  as 
Erebus.  A  bright  fire  was  built  in  the  gorge  below, 
which  threw  a  broad  red  light  on  the  face  of  the 
rock,  and  cast  into  deeper  shadow  the  chasms  that 
opened  around.  Those  five  hundred  men  hanging 
along  the  sides  of  the  mountain  at  midnight  dimly 
revealed  in  the  fire-light,  and  slowly  pulling  the 
sluggish  gun  after  them,  while  the  other  five  hundred 


MOENLNG    OF   THE    BATTLE.  87 

lay  stretched  around,  j^resented  a  strange  and  pictu- 
resque s^jectacle  to  the  beholder  below.  Inch  by 
inch,  and  foot  by  foot,  each  heavy  burden  slowly 
ascended  the  heights,  till  after  eight  hours  of  un- 
ceasing toil,  the  three  guns  were  planted  on  the  top- 
most rock.  The  arduous  work  was  accomplished  by 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  when  the  deep 
shadows  that  slept  in  the  gorges  below,  paled  before 
the  early  dawn,  there  stood  the  gallant  band  around 
the  guns  they  had  lifted  to  that  perilous  height. 
They  w^ere  now  above  all  the  Mexican  batteries  ex- 
cept the  fort  and  tower  of  Cerro  Gordo.  This  still 
overlooked  them,  and  they  knew  would  rain  shot 
and  shells  into  their  midst  the  moment  there  was 
sufficient  light  to  reveal  their  position.  But  they 
forgot  for  a  moment  the  murderous  work  before  them 
in  the  thrilling  scene  that  spread  beneath  their  feet. 
As  the  morning  broke  the  "  sweet  music  of  the 
Mexican  revillee"  echoed  amid  the  mountains,  and 
floated  in  soft  cadences  over  the  summits.  At 
length  the  rays  of  the  sun  tipped  those  lofty  peaks, 
and  stealing  swiftly  down  their  craggy  sides,  bathed 
the  hostile  encampment  in  the  rosy  light  of  a  spring 
morning.  Large  bodies  of  lancers  in  brilliant  uni- 
forms were  moving  about — dark  masses  of  infantry 
followed,  and  the  loud  and  stirring  notes  of  the  bugle 
echoed  amid  the  rocks.  Farther  do^vn,  and  beyond, 
stretched  the  luxuriant  plain,  through  which  i^olled 


88  ^'LNTTELD    SCOTT. 

the  trancjuil  river,  sliining  like  silver  in  tlie  early 
sunbeams.  A  spirit  of  romance  was  slied  over  the 
scene,  to  be  dispelled  the  next  moment  by  the 
thunder  of  cannon  and  strife  of  men. 

The  Mexicans  saw  with  astonishment  the  appari- 
tion of  an  American  battery  in  their  midst,  and  the 
Fort  of  Cerro  Gordo  commenced  a  plunging  fire  upon 
it.  Twiggs,  in  turn,  hailed  death  on  the  entrench- 
ments below.  But  the  lofty  fort  that  beetled  over  all 
the  rest  was  the  key -stone  of  the  whole,  and  Scott 
had,  therefore,  cut  this  side-road  so  that  he  could 
storm  it  in  flank.  Pillow  was  left  to  press  in  front 
against  the  lower  batteries  along  the  National  Eoad  ; 
while  Harney,  with  the  rifles,  1st  artillery,  and  Yth 
infiintry,  supported  by  the  2d  and  3d  infantry  and  -ith 
artillery,  was  to  make  the  crowning  eflPort  on  Cerro 
Gordo  itself.  The  columns  were  formed  under  the 
eye  of  Scott,  and  he  rode  slowly  along,  under  a  "  per- 
fect canopy  of  balls,"  encouraging  the  troops,  who 
answered  him  with  loud  shouts.  At  length,  when  all 
was  ready  to  charge,  "  Forward"  rung  from  the  lips  of 
their  gallant  leader,  and  the  storming  parties  moved 
forward.  In  an  instant  the  steep  was  in  a  blaze.  A 
solid  sheet  of  fire  rolled  down  its  rocky  sides,  while 
the  explosion  of  cannon  was  so  constant  and  deafen- 
ing that  orders  could  be  no  longer  heard.  It  was  as 
if  one  of  those  terrific  tropical  thunder-storms  had 
burst  on  the  top.    The  echoes  rolled  down  the  gorg9^^ 


CHAEGE  or  HARNEY.  89 

and  were  sent  back  in  deafening  reverberations  to  the 
summits.  But  the  plunging  fire  that  swept  to  destruc- 
tion the  front  rank  of  that  firm  column,  could  not 
arrest  its  onward  movement.  Scrambling  up  the 
naked,  uncovered  rocks  that  smoked  under  the  balls 
that  smote  them,  they  climbed  higher  and  higher, 
the  tall  athletic  form  of  Harney  still  in  advance. 
Higher  and  higher,  for  seven  hundred  feet,  they 
toiled  through  smoke  and  flame,  until  they  were  lost 
to  view  amid  the  sulphurous  clouds  that  enveloped 
them.  But  the  next  moment,  a  thrilling  shout  burst 
from  the  summit, — they  had  mounted  the  barricades, 
and  charging  over  the  guns,  swept  that  hill-top  like 
a  hurricane.  Harney,  suddenly  finding  himself  almost 
alone  in  the  presence  of  a  large  force,  began  to  order 
lip  his  fancied  battalions,  as  though  a  brigade  were  at 
his  heels.  His  stentorian  voice  rung  through  the  battle, 
like  a  trumpet ;  and  no  sooner  was  the  enemy  turned 
in  flight,  than  his  swift  dragoons  wheeled  after  them, 
chasing  them  to  the  very  gates  of  Jalapa,  and  beyond 
them.  Scott,  while  riding  amid  the  raining  balls,  saw 
a  man  holding  his  shattered  arm  with  the  sound  one. 
Reining  up  his  horse,  a  member  of  his  stafl"  told  him 
it  was  Captain  Patten.  Halting,  he  inquired  if  he 
was  badly  hurt,  but  in  the  terrific  thunder  crash 
around  them,  neither  question  or  reply  was  heard. 
Shields,  gallantly  leading  his  brigade  to  victory,  was 
shot  through  the  lungs.    Pillow  alone  was  unsuccess- 


90  'WIXFIELD   SCOTT. 

fill.  After  the  battle,  Scott  rode  up  to  Harney,  flnslied 
with  victory,  and  said,  "  Colonel  Harney,  I  cannot 
now  adequately  express  my  admiration  of  your  gallant 
achievement,  but  at  the  proper  time  I  shall  take  great 
pleasure  in  thanking  you  in  proper  terms."  That  bright 
April  morning  had  ended  in  storm  and  blood.  The 
dead  lay  everywhere.  The  gorges  were  choked  with 
the  Mexicans,  while  along  the  fiery  track  of  Harney's 
dragoons,  men  were  stretched  in  ghastly  groups,  each 
with  his  skull  cleft,  showing  the  sabre  stroke.  But 
on  every  height  waved  the  Stars  and  Stripes.  Scott, 
who  by  his  position,  had,  in  fact,  been  more  exposed 
than  the  storming-party  itself,  no  sooner  saw  the 
Americans  in  the  works  than  he  hastened  up.  The 
spectacle  at  this  moment  was  thrilling.  As  he  stood 
on  that  summit,  amid  the  smoke  of  the  guns  that  were 
still  playing  on  the  retiring  ranks  of  the  enemy,  he 
saw  below  him  the  gorges  and  heights  wrapped  in 
war-clouds,  amid  which  wandered  broken  columns 
and  shattered  battalions,  and  out  of  which  arose  the 
thrilling  huzzas  of  his  victorious  army.  Beside  him, 
liis  lips  moving  in  silent  prayer,  knelt  his  chaplain, 
amid  the  wounded  and  dying  that  lay  in  groups 
around  the  guns.  The  storming  of  that  height  had 
been  a  gallant  exploit,  and  Scott  witnessed  it  from 
first  to  last.  And  now,  as  he  looked  around  on 
the  panting  soldiers,  who  had  moved  so  fearlessly 
through  the  fire,  his  noble  heart  was  filled  with  afiec- 


THE  VICTORY.  91 

tion,  and  he  exclaimed,  "  Soldiers^  I  could  talie 
every  one  of  you  to  my  Jjosom  ;^''  then  tm-ning  to  the 
young  West  Point  officers,  who  had  been  heroes  every 
one,  and  who  now  gazed  with  kindling  eyes  and 
flushed  cheeks  on  their  beloved  commander,  he  shook 
his  hand  at  them,  while  his  eye  moistened  and  his 
lips  trembled,  and  said,  "  Oh!  you  young  rascals^ 
youP'' 

Of  the  fifteen  thousand  who  had  defended  that  moun- 
tain, three  thousand  prisoners,  and  a  multitude  of 
wounded  and  dying  remained  on  the  field.  As  one 
wound  up  the  K"ational  Road  after  the  battle,  and 
underneath  the  frowning  batteries,  it  seemed  a  dream, 
that  with  the  loss  of  only  a  few  hundred  men,  they  had 
been  taken.  Positions,  w^here  apparently  ten  men 
could  keep  at  bay  a  hundred,  had  fallen  before  inferior 
numbers.  It  was  with  feelings  of  exultation  that 
Scott  gazed  from  that  conquered  summit  on  his 
trophies  below,  and  then  turned  to  the  rich  plain  that 
lay  beyond,  upon  the  domes  and  towers  of  Jalapa,  and 
far  away  to  the  snow-capped  summit  of  Orizaba. 

In  a  few  days  the  fortifications  were  deserted,  and 
the  victorious  army  was  streaming  over  the  Mexican 
plains.  The  wolf-dog  and  the  buzzard  alone  held 
sway,  and  the  stench  of  putrid  corpses  filled  the  deep 
abysses  of  the  mountain. 

The  orders  of  General  Scott,  previous  to  this  battle. 


92  M'lXFIELD    SCOTT. 

is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  in  military  annals. 
They  are  more  like  a  prophecy  than  directions. 

'•  Headquarters  of  the  Army,  ) 
Plan  del  Rio,  April  17,  1847.    J 

"  The  enemy's  whole  line  of  intrenchments  and 
batteries  will  be  attacked  in  front,  and  at  the  same 
time  turned,  early  in  the  day  to-morrow — probably 
before  ten  o'clock,  a.m. 

"  The  second  (Twiggs')  division  of  regulars  is  already 
advanced  within  easy  turning  distance  towards  the 
enemy's  left.  That  division  has  instructions  to  move 
forward  before  daylight  to-morrow,  and  take  up  a 
position  across  the  National  Eoad  in  the  enemy's  rear, 
60  as  to  cut  off  a  retreat  towards  Xalapa.  It  may  be 
reinforced  to-day,  if  unexpectedly  attacked  in  force, 
by  regiments — one  or  two  taken  from  Shields'  brigade 
of  volunteers.  If  not,  the  two  volunteer  regiments 
will  march  for  that  purpose  at  daylight  to-morrow 
morning,  under  Brigadier-general  Shields;  who  will 
report  to  Brigadier-general  Twiggs,  on  getting  up  with 
him,  or  the  General-in-chief,  if  he  be  in  advance. 

"  The  remaining  regiment  of  that  volunteer  brigade 
will  receive  instructions  in  the  course  of  this  day. 

"  The  first  division  of  regulars  (Worth's)  will  fol- 
low the  movement  against  the  enemy's  left  at  sunrise 
to-morrow  morning. 

"  As  already  arranged.  Brigadier-general  Pillow's 


HTS  ORDEES.  93 

brigade  will  march  at  six  o'clock  to-morrow  morning 
along  the  route  he  has  carefully  reconnoitered,  and 
stand  ready  as  soon  as  he  hears  the  report  of  arms  on 
our  right,  or  sooner  if  circumstances  should  favor  him, 
to  pierce  the  enemy's  line  of  batteries  at  such  point — ■ 
the  nearer  the  river  the  better — as  he  may  select. 
Once  in  the  rear  of  that  line,  he  will  turn  to  the  right 
or  left,  or  both,  and  attack  the  batteries  in  reverse ;  or, 
if  abandoned,  he  will  pursue  the  enemy  with  vigor 
until  further  orders. 

"  Wall's  field  battery  and  the  cavalry  will  be  held 
in  reserve  on  the  l^ational  Eoad,  a  little  out  of  view 
and  range  of  the  enemy's  batteries.  They  will  take 
np  that  position  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

"  The  enemy's  batteries  being  carried  or  abandoned, 
all  our  divisions  and  corps  will  pursue  with  vigor. 

"  This  pursuit  may  be  continued  many  miles,  until 
stopped  by  darkness  or  fortified  positions  towards 
Xalapa.  Consequently,  the  body  of  the  army  will 
not  return  to  this  encampment,  but  be  followed  to- 
morrow afternoon,  or  early  the  next  morning,  by  the 
baggage  trains  of  the  several  corps.  For  this  purpose, 
the  feebler  officers  and  men  of  each  corps  will  be  left 
to  guard  its  camp  and  efiects,  and  to  load  up  the 
latter  in  the  wagons  of  the  corps.  A  commander  of 
the  present  encampment  will  be  designated  in  the 
course  of  this  day. 

"  As  soon  as  it  shall  be  known  that  the  enemy's 


94  WTNPIELD   SCOTT. 

works  have  been  carried,  or  that  the  general  pursuit 
has  been  commenced,  one  wagon  for  each  regiment, 
and  one  for  the  cavahy,  will  follow  the  movement, 
to  receive,  under  the  directions  of  medical  officers, 
the  wounded  and  disabled,  who  will  be  brought  back 
to  this  place  for  treatment  in  general  hospital. 

"The  Surgeon-general  will  organize  this  important 
service  and  designate  that  hospital,  as  well  as  the 
medical  oflSlcers  to  be  left  at  it. 

"  Every  man  who  marches  out  to  attack  or  pursue 
the  enemy,  will  take  the  usual  allowance  of  ammuni- 
tion, and  subsistence  for  at  least  two  days. 
By  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  Scott, 

H.  L.  SCOTT,  A.  A.  A.  General." 

The  next  day  after  the  battle,  Jalapa  was  entered, 
and  on  the  22d,  Worth  took  possession  of  the  castle 
and  town  of  Perote  without  striking  a  blow.  The 
15th  of  May  he  entered  the  ancient  city  of  Puebla. 
Thus,  in  two  months,  with  twelve  thousand  men, 
Scott  had  taken  ten  thousand  prisoners — nearly  the 
amount  of  his  entire  army — four  large  cities,  seven 
hundred  cannon,  ten  thousand  stand  of  small  arms, 
and  thirty  thousand  shells  and  shot.  "When  this  news 
was  brought  back  from  that  little  army  locked  up  in 
the  Mexican  mountains,  the  country,  with  all  its  ex- 
travagant expectations  and  boastful  spirit,  was  taken 
by  surprise.     Men  found  that  facts  surpassed  their 


HIS    PEOCLAMATIOX.  95 

own  boasting,  and  the  results  exceeded  their  most 
vivid  imaginations. 

Scott  at  Jalapa  issued  a  proclamation  to  tlie  Mexi- 
can people,  in  which  he  appealed  to  the  bishops 
and  clergy  of  the  towns  through  which  his  army  had 
passed,  to  confirm  his  declaration,  that  the  rights  of 
property,  and  the  persons  of  individuals  had  been 
everywhere  respected.     The  people  eagerly  sought 
for  this  proclamation— it  spread  on  the  wings  of  the 
^incl — their   conqueror   promised  what   their   own 
army  refused.     Tlie  victor  swore  to  guarantee  and 
protect  rights,  which  for  a  long  time  had  existed  only 
in  name.     The  good  conduct  of  the  troops,  thanks  to 
Scott's  martial-law  orders,  fm^nished  testimony  to 
the  truth  of  his  declarations.     Worth  writing  from 
Puebla,  said,  "  it  takes  admirably,  and  has  accom- 
plished more  than  all  the  blows  from  Palo  Alto  to 
Cerro  Gordo." 

The  people  of  Puebla  were  amazed  when  they 
saw  the  little  army  of  the  Americans  enter  their 
city.  Measuring  it  by  the  deeds  it  had  wrought, 
they  expected  to  behold  an  army  of  giants,  with 
terrific  engines  of  war,  and  lo,  four  or  five  thousand 
men  quietly  took  up  their  quarters  in  the  town  on 
their  way  to  the  capital  of  Mexico. 

Scott  at  Puebla  reminds  one  of  :N'apoleon  in  Italy. 
"What  with  detachments  left  behind,  killed  and 
wounded,  sick,  deserters,  and  the  dismissed  volun- 


90  -SVIis  FIELD    SCOTT. 

teers,  wliose  term  of  service  liad  expired,  Lis  wliole 
effective  force  did  not  reach  five  thousand  men,  the 
remnant  of  the  twelve  thousand  who  had  landed  at 
Vera  Cruz.  Yet  here  he  was,  two  hundred  miles 
from  the  citj  of  Yera  Cruz,  in  a  city  of  eighty  thou- 
sand inhabitants,  surrounded  by  two  millions  of  peo- 
ple, and  Avatched  by  an  army  of  twenty  thousand  men. 
One  can  hardly  conceive  a  position  in  which  a  com- 
mander would  feel  greater  anxiety.  The  only 
thought  would  naturally  be  how  to  get  safely  back 
to  his  ships.  But  Scott  was  simply  planning  the 
best  manner  of  marching  on  the  capital,  surrounded 
with  fortifications,  and  teeming  with  a  population 
of  two  hundred  thousand.  Xothing  excites  so  much 
surprise  as  the  rashness  and  daring  of  such  a 
scheme,  except  the  genius  and  energy  that  carried 
it  through.  There,  on  that  elevated  plain,  seven 
thousand  feet  high,  encircled  by  the  Cordilleras — on 
the  very  spot  where  stood  the  ancient  city  of 
Cholula,  with  its  two  hundred  thousand  inhabitants, 
and  where  the  first  Cortez  gazed  on  the  towers  of 
four  hundred  idol  temples,  now  stood  the  second 
Cortez,  with  his  little  band  of  brave  men  aroimd 
him.  Three  hundred  and  twenty-four  years  divide 
those  conquerors — the  only  two  whose  invading  feet 
had  ever  pressed  this  soil,  and  both  making  an  epocli 
in  the  history  of  the  country.  The  first  Cortez 
gazed  on  innumerable  domes  and  towers,  glittering 


PIJEBLA.  97 

in  the  sun — on  gorgeous  cities,  and  a  land  teeming 
witli   people.     Of  all   their   temples   and   palaces, 
nothing  now  remained  save  the  lofty  pyramid  of 
Cholula,  on  the  top  of  which  sacrifices  were  of- 
fered to  the  gods.     Solitary  and  alone  it  rises  in 
gloomy  grandeur  from  the  midst  of  a  vast  and  deso- 
late plain— an  enduring  monument  above  the  grave 
of  a  buried  'city,  and  a  memento  of  the  life  that 
was  once  there.     Masses  of  lava  scattered  around, 
attesting  that  volcanoes  had  raged  and  died  on  that 
spot,  gave  a  still  more  sombre  aspect  to  the  scene. 
On  this  high  x)lain,  as  it  were,  away  from  the  world, 
alone  in  its  beauty,  stands  this  "  city  of  the  angels." 
What  a  strange  contrast  does  the  American  army 
present  to  all  this.     Eushing  from  the  home  of  civi- 
lization, and  out  of  all  the  stir  and   activity   of 
modern  life,  it  suddenly  finds  itself  amid  the  past, 
surrounded  with  men,  and  dwellings,  and   imple- 
ments of  all  kinds  that  belonged  to  a  former  age. 


CHAPTEK  lY. 

The  army  at  Puebia— Description  of  the  scenery — Arrival  of  reinforcemenvs— De- 
parture for  Mexico — ^Ascent  of  the  Cordilleras — Magnificent  scenery — First  view 
of  the  plain  and  city  of  Mexico — The  road  found  impassable — Diflacult  march 
round  Lake  Chalco  to  the  Acapulco  road — Attack  on  Contreras — Suffering  and 
anxiety  of  the  army  at  night — Storming  of  the  fort — Enthusiastic  reception  of 
Scott  by  his  Tictorions  troops — San  Antonio  taken— The  three  battles  of  Cheru- 
busco — The  flight  and  pursuit— Scott  after  battle — The  Mexicans  propose  au 
armistice. 

The  troops  took  possession  of  the  city  on  the  15th  of 
May,  and  remained  there  nearly  two  months.  In 
that  short  space,  seven  hundred  perished  from  sick- 
ness. The  government  at  home  was  heartily  sick  of 
the  war  into  which  it  had  plunged  the  country,  and 
began  to  show  an  anxiety  to  bring  it  to  a  termina- 
tion, half  of  which  at  the  outset  would  have  pre- 
vented it  altogether.  Mr.  Trist  was  sent  a  commis- 
sioner to  make  certain  proposals,  which  it  was  hoped 
might  prevent  farther  hostilities.  Tliis  futile  nego- 
tiation, together  witli  the  expectation  of  reinforce- 


MARCH   TO   MEXICO.  99 

ments  on  tlieir  way,  delayed  the  army  till  mid  sum- 
mer. On  tlie  5tli  of  May,  Col.  M'Intosh  left  Yera 
Cruz  with  eight  hundred  men,  and  a  train  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty-two  wagons.  He  was  followed 
five  days  after  by  Gen.  Cadwallader,  with  six  hun- 
dred. The  next  week,  Gen.  Pillow,  with  a  thousand 
men,  took  the  same  route,  and  still  later,  General 
Pierce,  with  twenty-five  hundred.  Other  detach- 
ments also  arrived,  swelling  the  army  to  nearly 
eleven  thousand  men.  Scott  in  the  meantime  had 
not  been  idle.  He  had  drilled  the  five  thousand 
men  under  him  almost  daily  till  they  had  acquired 
a  perfection  of  discipline  that  doubled  their  effi- 
ciency. The  reinforcements  brought  everything  the 
army  needed,  but  money.  The  military  chest  was 
in  a  sad  condition,  and  great  dissatisfaction  prevailed 
among  the  troops.  Everything,  however,  being  put 
in  the  best  i)rej)aration  his  straitened  circumstances 
allowed.  Gen.  Scott  having  completed  his  plans, 
called  his  officers  together  and  marked  out  before 
them  the  future  course  and  operations  of  the  army. 
On  the  morning  of  the  Yth,  Harney's  brigade  of 
cavalry  moved  out  of  the  city  followed  by  Twiggs' 
division.  It  was  a  bright  summer  day,  and  the  long 
array  of  horsemen,  of  artillery,  and  infantry,  her- 
alded by  bands  of  music,  presented  a  beautiful  ap- 
pearance as  it  wound  over  the  rolling  country, 
dotted  with  gardens,  and  began  to  ascend  the  Cor- 


100  W INFIELD   SCOTT. 

dilleras.  Scott  siiiToimded  witli  liis  staff  and  a  hun- 
dred dragoons  soon  f(.)llowed,  while  shouts  greeted  him 
as  he  disappeared  through  the  gates  and  moved  with 
his  glittering  cortege  along  the  road.  As  the  troops 
kept  ascending,  the  view  became  enlarged,  and  the 
wind  of  those  troj^ical  highlands  blew  cold  and  chill 
around  them.  Far  awav  Popocatapatl  lifted  its  snowy- 
crest  eighteen  thousand  feet  into  the  clear  heavens, 
while  farther  still  another  icy  summit  sent  its  cold 
breath  over  the  army.  Scott  had  so  few  troops  that 
he  could  leave  no  depots  and  garrisons  on  the  way,  to 
keep  open  his  communications.  He  had  cut  himself 
loose  from  help.  One  lost  battle  and  all  the  avenues 
would  close  forever  behind  him.  Yictory  alone 
could  keep  the  road  oj)en.  With  eleven  thousand 
he  was  advancing  on  an  army  of  thirty  thousand, 
defended  by  fortresses  and  well  supplied  with  heavy 
artillery.  Over  all  these  he  must  march  into  a  city 
in  which  thirty  thousand  more  combatants  awaited 
his  approach.  Yet  he  issued  his  orders  with  the 
same  confidence  he  would  have  done  had  fifty  thou- 
sand men  followed  his  standard.  He  had  started  for 
Mexico,  and  it  must  be  a  fiercer  fire  than  ever  rolled 
from  a  Mexican  battery  that  could  stop  him.  He 
had  said  to  General  Worth  at  Puebla,  who  wished 
to  advance  his  division  eighteen  miles  from  the  citj^, 
in  order  to  watch  the  enemy,  and  who  also  remarked 
that  it  was  in  good  retreating  distance,  "  I  never  put 


VIEW   OF   MEXICO.  101 

one  foot  forward  witlioiit  designing  to  bring  the 
other  up  to  it."  Either  he  would  dictate  terms  to 
the  enemy  in  their  own  capital,  or  they  should  exult 
over  his  grave. 

The  army  held  its  way  through  the  wildest  moun- 
tain scenery,  upon  the  great  stage-road,  gradually 
reaching  a  still  higher  elevation — now  winding 
along  a  densely  wooded  ravine,  and  again  skirting 
the  shore  of  some  sweet  lake,  that  reflected  in  its 
placid  bosom  the  frowning  heights  around.  All  was 
new,  and  strange,  and  wild.  Cool  streams,  gushing 
from  the  sides  of  the  mountain,  refreshed  the  weary 
troops,  but  at  night  the  wind  from  the  icy  heights 
around  benumbed  their  limbs,  and  made  them 
pine  for  the  plains  below.  On  the  third  day  they 
reached  the  pass  of  Rio  Frio,  more  than  ten  thou- 
sand feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  This  icy  little 
stream  had  cut  away  amid  the  rocks  that  here  closed 
with  a  gloomy  and  threatening  aspect  over  the  road. 
ISTo  human  foot  could  scale  the  precipitous  sides  of 
the  beetling  cliffs,  which  left  but  a  narrow  gorge 
through  which  the  traveller  could  pass.  A  stubborn 
defence  might  have  been  made  here,  and  the  enemy 
at  one  time  had  evidently  resolved  to  erect  a  barri- 
cade, and  establish  batteries  ;  for  timber  had  been 
felled,  and  other  preparations  made.  The  design, 
however,  had  been  abandoned,  and  the  army  passed 
on,  and  at  length  reached  the  highest  crest  of  the 


102 


WIXFIELD   SCOTT. 


mountains.  For  a  long  time  officers  and  men  had  been 
looking  out  in  eager  expectation,  to  obtain  tbe  first 
view  of  Mexico.  At  length  the  last  height  was  gained, 
and  lo  the  city  and  plain  were  before  them.     A  loud 
shout  from  the  head  of  the  column  rolled  down  the 
mountain,  and  all  was  excitement  and  enthusiasm. 
Jerusalem  lying  like  a  sweet  vision  in  the  plain,  could 
scarcely  have  presented  a  lovelier  spectacle  to  the 
Crusaders  of  old  than  burst  at  once  on  the  astonished 
army.     The  cold  mountain  air  was  rushing  around 
them,  but  far,  far  down,  and  away,  spread  the  vast 
plain  of  Mexico,  shining  in  summer  freshness  and 
beauty.     In  its  midst  the  domes  and  towers  of  the 
city  glittered  in  the  sunlight.    All  around  it  gleamed 
forth  the  countless  lakes  that  almost  lave  its  walls, 
while  a  soft  haze  overhung  all,  imparting  still  greater 
tranquillity  to  the  scene.     Farther  away  shone  the 
white  tops   of   Popocatapetl    and    Iztac-eithuatl — • 
their  flashing  helmets  shining  clear  in  the  pure  at- 
mosphere of  the  upper  regions,  while  around  their 
feet  clung  the  warm  vapor  of  the  lakes  that  strove 
in  vain  to  ascend  their  sides.     Scott  reined  up  with 
his  escort,  and  gazed  long  and  thoughtfully  on  the 
magnificent  spectacle.     Before  him  like  a  map,  lay 
spread  out  the  field  of  his  labor — there,  shining  in 
summer  tranquillity,  was  the  city  where  his  victori- 
ous march  was  to  stop.     But  between  him  and  it  lay 
bloody  fields,  and  perchance,  into  its  crowded  popu- 


DESCENDS    INTO   THE   PLAIN. 


103 


lation,  and  amid  all  tliat  magnificence  and  wealth, 
lie  would  be  compelled  to  spread  devastation  and 
ruin.      The   memories   of   the  past  mingled  with 
anxious  thoughts  of  the  future.     How  many  of  that 
gallant  army  which  moved  so  gaily  down  the  slope 
would  ever  recross  those  mountains.     On  that  plam 
thousands  of  ambitious  hearts  would  cease  to  beat, 
and  when  the  lessening  files  should  again  disappear 
over  this  summit,  their  standards  pointing  homeward, 
sad  remembrances  would  be  mingled  with  joyous  re- 
collections, and  sad  farewells  be  wafted  to  comrades 
sleeping   in   their  glorious   graves  below.     As  the 
advance  column  descended  into  the  valley,  the  soli- 
tude and  silence  of  those  highlands  were  exchanged 
for  the  bustle  and  activity  of  an  army  in  presence 
of  the  enemy.    Horsemen  galloping  along  the  roads, 
and  scouts  scouring  the  country  in  every  direction, 
warned  the  American  commander  that  his  move- 
ments were  watched,  and  his  approach  expected. 
Tliree  routes  to  Mexico  now  offered  themselves  to 
him— the  great  road  from  Yera  Cruz,  along  which 
he  was  moving,  or  the  Acapulco  road,  or  the  Toluca 
road.     Tlie  Acapulco  road  entered  the  city  at  right 
angles  to  the  former,  while  the  Toluca  was  beyond 
it  still  farther  west. 

Scott  first  made  a  reconnaissance  of  the  road  along 
which  his  army  was  marching,  and  found  to  his  re- 
gret that  it  must  be  abandoned.    El  Penon,  a  forti- 


104  TVLN'FIELD    SCOTT. 

fiecl  liill,  completely  commanded  the  approach,  and 
^\as,  made  so  impregnable,  both  by  nature  and  art, 
that  a  greater  sacrifice  than  he  could  afibrd  would 
be  required  to  carry  it.     On  one  side  the  hill  was 
perfectly  inaccessible,  on  the  other  a  ditch  twenty- 
four  feet  wide  and  ten  feet  deep  had  been  cut,  run- 
nins:  from  marsh  to  marsh.      Above  this  bristled 
fifty-one  cannon,  commanding  the  road  and  enfilad- 
ing the  ditch.     From  the  fort  to  the  city  ran  a  cause- 
way four  miles  long  and  surrounded  by  water.     The 
j^lace,  therefore,  could  not  be  turned,  and  to  carry  it 
by  assault  was  a  task  too  great  for  even  that  gallant 
army.     Besides,  if  the  attempt  should  succeed,  there 
remained  four  miles  of  causeway  to  be  traversed, 
swept  the  whole  length   by  the  enemy's  cannon. 
Scott,  therefore,  determined,  if  possible,  to  get  across 
to  the  Acapulco  road,  whose  defences,  though  strong, 
were  not  so  impregnable.     But  Lake  Chalco  covered 
the  whole  intermediate  space,  and  though  a  cause- 
way  stretched   across    a  portion    that    had    been 
partially  drained,  it  was  two  miles  long  and  an  army 
of  fifty  thousand  men  could  not  have  forced  it  against 
the  troops  and  cannon  that  defended  it.    Tlie  only 
alternative  left  was  to  wheel  back  and  go  around  the 
lake,  but  here  he  was  met  by  the  mountains  that 
came  do^\Ti  boldly  to  the  shore.    A  passage,  however, 
was  deemed  practicable,  and  Worth,  who  command- 
ed the  rear  division,  now  took  the  lead  and  the  army 


CONTEEKAS.  105 

slo^\4y  picked  its  way  amid  rocks  and  along  a  broken 
path  wliicli  a  few  liours  labor  of  tlie  enemy  would 
have  rendered  w^bolly  impassable.  It  was  rough 
work  for  the  artillery  and  wagons.  In  less  than  two 
days  the  twenty-seven  miles  were  accomplished,  and 
on  the  ITth,  the  head  of  Worth's  column  entered 
San  Augustine  on  the  Acapulco  road,  nine  miles 
from  Mexico.  Here  the  depot  of  the  army  was 
established. 

Every  precaution,  however,  had  been  taken  to 
render  this  road  impassable,  but  there  was  more 
ground  to  work  on,  and  the  army  was  not  shut  in 
between  marshes  and  a  mountain.  San  Antonia,  a 
village  a  little  in  advance  of  San  Augustine,  was 
strongly  fortified,  and  could  be  approached  only  by 
a  long  narrow  causeway,  on  which  the  batteries  of 
the  enemy  could  play  with  deadly  effect.  JSTear 
this  village  were  the  fortified  heights  of  Contreras 
and  the  bridge  of  Churubusco,  and  farther  on  and 
closer  to  the  city,  the  hill  of  Chapultepec.  Scott  had 
apparently  gained  nothing  by  changing  roads.  Over 
all  those  fortifications,  defended  by  a  hundred  cannon 
and  thirty  thousand  men,  his  army  of  less  than 
eleven  thousand  must  march  before  they  reached  the 
narrow  causeways  leading  to  the  city  and  to  the  in- 
terior lines  of  defence,  which  alone  were  by  no 
means  to  be  despised.  But  his  practised  eye  saw 
at   once    that  if  Contreras   could  be  can-ied  San 


106  WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

Antonia  would  be  turned,  and  hence  rendered  harm- 
less. Santa  Anna  never  di-eamed  this  was  practicable. 
True  the  countiy  stretched  five  miles  from  the  road 
to  the  mountains,  but  it  was  a  vast  field  of  volcanic 
rocks  and  lava,  and  broken  eminences,  intersected 
by  ditches,  and  covered  with  prickly  pear,  over 
which  he  thought  artillery  could  not  be  carried. 

BATTLE   OF   CONTKERAS. 

Scott,  however,  ordered  Pillow's  division  to  cut  a 
road  to  it,  under  the  direction  of  Lee,  the  chief 
engineer.  At  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  P.  F. 
Smith,  and  Riley,  of  Twigg's  division,  and  Pierce, 
and  Cadwallader,  of  Pillow's,  were  with  their  brigades 
carefully  picking  their  way  over  the  rocks,  steadily 
pushing  their  columns  on  towards  the  road  that  led 
from  the  fortress  to  the  city.  This  was  a  beautiful 
road,  and  as  the  enemy  saw  with  astonishment  an  army 
approaching  them  over  a  country  hitherto  deemed 
impassible,  reinforcements  were  ordered  up,  and 
along,  large  bodies  of  cavalry  in  quick  suc- 
cession were  seen  to  gallop,  showing  that  Yalen- 
cia  was  rapidly  concentrating  his  forces  on  the 
menaced  point.  Captain  Magruder,  with  his  battery 
of  twelve  and  six  pounders,  and  Lieut  Callender, 
with  his  mountain  howitzers  and  rockets,  slowly 
forced  their  way  towards  the  entrenchments.    The 


FIKST    DAY.  107 

ground  covered  with  rocks,  prickly  pear  and  cactus, 
and  the  ditches  rendered  doubly  impassable  to 
horses,  by  hedges  of  the  maguey  plant,  made  their 
progress  so  slow  that  long  before  they  could  get  into 
position,  grape,  canister,  and  round  shot  were  hurled 
into  their  ranks  from  twenty-two  guns  of  the  enemy. 
^Yith  the  utmost  effort  only  three  pieces  could  at 
last  be  got  into  battery.  These  three  comparatively 
light  guns  made  but  a  feeble  response  to  the  murder- 
ous cannonade  from  the  heights.  Still  for  two  hours 
the  infantry  and  artillerjanen  bravely  stood  their 
groimd.  At  every  discharge  of  the  hostile  batte- 
ries, they  would  fall  flat  on  their  faces,  and  let  the 
iron  storm  rush  over  them,  and  then  rise  and  serve 
their  gmis.  This  was  disheartening  work,  and  at 
length  two  of  the  pieces  were  dismounted,  and  most 
of  the  cannoneers  killed  or  wounded.  The  force 
was  then  recalled.  Eiley,  in  another  part  of  the 
field,  kept  up  a  skirmishing  with  the  enemy,  and 
several  times  rejxilsed  the  charges  of  Mexican 
cavalry.  But  without  cavalry  or  artillery,  no  de- 
monstration could  be  made  against  the  force  before 
him.  If  the  troops  charged  in  line,  having  no  artil- 
lery, they  would  be  cut  asunder  by  cavalry,  and  if 
in  column,  they  would  be  rent  into  fragments  by 
Mexican  batteries.  All  fm-ther  attempts  on  the  hill 
were  therefore  abandoned  for  that  day,  but  Scott 
kept  pushing  his  troops  towards  the  road  that  led 


108  WIXI^IELD    SCOTT. 

from  Contreras  to  tlie  city.  The  reinforcements 
that  were  pouring  over  it,  must  be  stopped  at  all 
hazards,  and  he  sent  forward  by  another  route. 
Col.  Morgan  followed  soon  after  by  Shields'  brigade 
of  Kew  Tork  and  South  Carolina  volunteers  to 
occupy  the  church  and  few  houses  of  the  settlement 
itself,  and  thus  block  up  the  road.  Waiting  till 
dark,  they  made  a  detour  through  a  dense  forest, . 
and  at  length  reached  their  destination. 

The  night  of  the  19th  closed  cheerless  and  disheart- 
ening around  the  American  araiy.  The  heavens 
were  black,  and  the  sombre  hue  which  a  pending 
storm  shed  on  everything,  rendered  the  prospect 
still  more  desolate.  The  rifle  regiment  that  had 
been  toiling  and  fighting  all  the  afternoon,  was 
ordered  with  the  1st.  artillery  and  3d  infantry  to  the 
same  hamlet.  Through  chapparel  and  cactus  they  had 
forced  their  way,  and  late  at  night,  tired  and  hungry, 
joined  Eiley's  brigade,  which,  with  Worth,  occu- 
pied the  road.  Shield's  brigade  encamped  in  an  ad- 
joining orchard,  while  Cadwallader's  lay  still  nearer 
the  enemy.  The  road  being  enfiladed  by  the  bat- 
teries of  the  fortress,  the  ti'oops  occupying  it  built 
breast  works,  both  to  conceal  themselves  and  protect 
them  from  the  grape  shot.  Nothing  could  be  more 
discouraging  than  their  position.  Part  had  made 
their  way  over  rocks,  ditches,  and  through  chapparel 
of  thorns  to  that  hamlet,  and  part  through  a  dense 


THE   NIGUT.  109 

forest,  and  now  occupied  ground  tliey  were  utterly 
ignorant  of,  or  of  the  route  to  tlie  other  portions  of 
the  army.  Each  asked  the  other  where  was  Scott, 
but  no  one  could  tell.  If  they  could  only  hear  from 
him,  all  would  be  right ;  one  word  from  their  com- 
mander, letting  them  know  he  was  aware  of  their 
position,  would  be  sufficient.  But  cut  off  from  all 
communication  with  the  army,  without  artillery, 
ignorant  of  the  ground  they  occupied,  crushed,  as  it 
were,  between  the  overwhelming  forces  of  Santa 
Anna  in  Mexico,  and  those  under  Yalencia  in  Con- 
treras,  the  gloomy  night  promised  a  still  gloomier 
morning.  Scott  was  weighed  down  with  nearly 
equal  anxiety,  for  he  could  obtain  no  tidings  from  these 
gallaiit  brigades.  He  had  sent  out  seven  different 
officers,  but  not  one  could  get  through.  Capt.  Lee 
at  last  reached  him  vnth  a  message  from  Shields, 
announcing  that  his  orders  had  been  fulfilled.  Still 
he  had  reason  to  be  anxious,  for  a  vigilant  and  dar- 
ing enemy  would,  ere  morning,  have  dealt  him  a 
staggering  blow.  To  add  to  the  gloom  and  despon- 
dency of  the  men,  a  heavy  rain  set  in.  Most  of  the 
officers  had  lost  their  blankets  and  overcoats  in  cross- 
ing the  rough  and  thorny  fields  to  their  position,  and 
uncovered,  lay  down  beside  tlieir  worn-out  soldiers 
in  the  road  and  orchard.  ''  Too  weary  to  eat,  too 
wet  to  sleep,"  they  lay  packed  together  in  the  du't 
which,  at  length,  became  a  mass  of  mud,  and  a  sorry 
7 


110  Y.J^'FIELD    SCOTT. 

set  of  men  they  were.  At  length,  it  was  whispered 
from  man  to  man,  "  we  storm  at  inidnigldr  A  sncl- 
den  thrill  made  them  for  a  moment  forget  their  con- 
dition, but  midnight  came,  and  with  it  a  deluge  of 
rain.  The  road  soon  became  flooded  with  water  as 
it  pom-ed  in  streams  amid  the  weary  troops,  and  they 
were  compelled  to  abandon  even  that  miserable 
conch,  and  stand  crowded  and  shivering,  shoulder  to 
shoulder  under  the  pelting  storm,  till  near  daylight. 
The  orders  were  to  have  everything  ready  for  an  at- 
tack by  daylight,  but  the  darkness  and  the  storm 
rendered  this  impracticable.  But  about  four  o'clock 
Riley  and  Smith  defiled  their  troops  silently  from 
the  road  and  moved  towards  the  position  assigned 
them  in  rear  of  the  fort.  A  ravine  lined  with  orch- 
ards and  corn-fields  presented  an  admirable  protec- 
tion for  them,  and  they  reached  their  place  of  con- 
cealment unobserved.  Cadwallader  took  position  in 
their  rear,  while  Shields,  with  Col.  Morgan's  regiment 
held  the  road  to  stop  the  approach  of  reinforcements 
from  the  city,  and  also  to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  Ya- 
lencia's  armv  after  the  hill  shouldjbe  carried.  The 
Mexicans  remained  entirely  ignorant  of  all  these 
movements,  and  were  expecting  to  have  the  attack  in 
front  renewed  in  the  morning. 

Tlie  American  troops  were  now  themselves  again. 
Tliougli  every  soldier  was  soaking  wet  and  shivering 
with  cold  and  hunger,  not  a  heart  beat  faint.     Ilun- 


THE   ASSAULT.  Ill 

ger,  cold,  and  fatigue,  were  all  forgotten,  for  tliey 
were  within  tiger-spring  of  the  foe.  Besides  to  stim- 
ulate their  ardor,  the  hill  was  shaking  with  the  thun- 
der of  Yalencia's  cannon,  and  clouds  of  smoke  were 
rolling  heavily  away  over  their  heads.  The  daylight 
whicli  dawned  so  murkily  through  the  morning 
vapors,  revealed  to  the  enemy  General  Shields' 
brigade  occupying  the  road,  and  the  Mexican  Gene- 
ral had  turned  his  guns  upon  it,  little  dreaming 
of  the  volcano  that  was  about  to  open  at  his  very 
feet. 

At  length,  at  six  o'clock,  Smith  slowly  walked  up 
to  his  men  and  asked  if  all  was  ready.  Tlie  kindling 
eye  and  eager  look  answered  him,  and  "  rtien^  for- 
ward "  ran  along  the  line.  The  next  moment  they 
leaped  over  the  slight  ridge  that  concealed  them, 
and  pouring  in  a  sudden  deadly  fire  that  seemed  to 
the  astonished  Mexicans  to  issue  from  the  very 
bowels  of  the  earth,  rushed  forward  with  shouts  and 
yells  that  drowned  even  the  crack  of  their  own  rifles 
and  the  roar  of  the  enemy's  guns.  Tlie  fire  of  the 
fort  was  instantly  turned  on  them,  but  owing  to  the 
rapid  advance  of  the  maddened  Americans,  it  went 
over  their  heads,  and  they  kept  on  their  headlong 
way,  firing  as  they  ran,  till  they  reached  the  para- 
pet. Scoffing  at  the  volley  that  met  them  here,  they 
cleared  the  breastwork  with  a  bound,  and  the  brave 
rifles  having  no  bayonets,  clubbed  their  pieces,  and 


112  WINTIELD   SCOTT. 

tlie  heavy  blows  of  the  stocks  could  be  plainly  beard 
amid  tbe  cries  and  groans  of  the  dying.  The  work 
of  death  then  commenced,  for  though  General  Salas 
succeeded  in  rallying  his  troops,  and  endeavored 
bravely  to  stem  the  torrent,  he  only  increased  the 
carnage.  lie  ordered  a  splendid  body  of  lancers 
that  came  winding  up  the  road  in  tlieir  brilliant  uni- 
forms, to  charge  the  Americans,  but  frightened  at 
the  yells  of  the  struggling,  swaying  mass,  they 
turned  and  galloped  away.  The  actual  conflict 
lasted  scarcely  twenty  minutes,  but  the  pursuit  and 
carnage  continued.  Every  passage  was  literally 
blocked  with  the  fugitives,  among  whom  the  fore- 
most of  the  Americans  plunged  so  madly,  that  those 
in  rear  dared  not  fire,  lest  they  should  kill  their 
comrades.  The  part  that  took  the  road  to  the  city, 
was  cut  do^vn  or  made  prisoners  by  Shields'  brigade. 
Every  ravine  was  filled  with  Mexican  corpses ;  all 
tln-ough  the  cornfields  and  orchards,  the  earth  was 
sprinkled  with  the  dead  and  wounded.  Five  hun- 
dred getting  jammed  in  a  pass,  thirty  Americans 
headed  them  ofi*,  and  firing  down  on  them,  took  the 
whole  prisoners,  of  whom  one  hundred  were  officers. 
It  seemed  as  if  the  despondency,  and  suffering, 
and  hunger  of  the  night  before  had  filled  the  troops 
with  tenfold  fury,  so  hotly  and  desperately  did  they 
press  the  fugitives.  On  every  side  small  bodies  of 
Americans  were  seen  pouring  their  volleys  into  large 


THE   PUESriT.  113 

masses  of  the  enemj,  as  they  crowded  over  tlie 
fields.  Through  the  forest,  amid  the  volcanic  rocks, 
and  thickets  of  chapparel,  the  incessant  crack  of  the 
rifle  and  shonts  of  men  were  heard.  Many  were  too 
frightened  to  ask  for  quarter.  The  awful  yells  and 
frightful  ferocity  with  which  the  American  troops 
had  scaled  that  hill,  and  leaped  into  their  midst, 
made  them  believe  their  doom  was  sealed  if  taken, 
and  thus  the  slaughter  was  increased.  This  fierce 
pursuit  continued  for  hours,  and  when  at  length  the 
last  soldier  had  oheyed  the  recall,  and  the  weary  re- 
giments were  once  more  in  their  respective  places, 
that  hill  presented  a  frightful  spectacle.  Seventeen 
hundred  killed  and  wounded,  had  been  stretched 
around  it,  and  along  the  roads  that  led  away  from  its 
base.  The  wet  earth  was  red  with  blood.  Over 
eight  hundred  prisoners,  and  among  them  four  gene- 
rals, twenty-two  pieces  of  brass  cannon,  seven  hun- 
dred pack-mules,  and  small  arms,  ammunition, 
stores,  etc.,  in  vast  quantities,  were  the  troj)hies  of 
this  great  victory,  and  more  than  all,  a  strong  j^osi- 
tion  had  been  taken,  and  another  rendered  useless, 
with  comparatively  small  loss  to  the  American  army. 
A  great  moral  effect,  moreover,  had  been  secured. 
The  prestige  of  success — the  idea  of  invincibility, 
now  surrounded  the  invaders,  and  no  certain  reliance 
could  be  placed  by  the  enemy  on  their  remaining 
strong  defences.     The  shout  of  triumph  that  rolled 


114  WIXTTELD    SCOTT. 

from  tlie  summit  of  Contreras  carried  consternation 
into  the  city,  and  Santa  iVnna,  for  the  third  time, 
trembled  "before  the  skill  and  daring  that  set  at 
naught  his  strongest  fortresses  and  choicest  troops. 
But  if  the  dismay  and  despondency  were  great  on 
one  side,  the  exultation  and  confidence  were  equally 
great  on  the  other.  That  little  army,  stretched  in 
the  mud  beneath  the  pitiless  storm,  and  cut  off  from 
all  communication  with  their  leader,  at  midnight, 
and  that  same  army  sending  up  their  shout  of  tri- 
umph at  sunrise  from  the  toj)  of  Contreras,  present  a 
wide  contrast.  The  rifles  had  earned  imperishable 
fame.  Scott  shared  in  the  enthusiasm  of  the  victory, 
as  he  had  in  the  anxiety  of  the  night  before. 
Divided  from  his  troo23S,  and  no  longer  able,  with 
his  presence,  to  remedy  faults  or  check  reverses,  he 
knew  that  failure  might  easily  occur,  and  felt  how 
discouraging  to  his  own  troops,  and  inspiriting  to  the 
enemy  it  would  be.  But  little  sleep  visited  his  eyes 
that  night ;  and  as  he  gazed  out  into  the  darkness 
and  pouring  rain,  and  ever  and  anon  asked  if 
there  were  any  tidings  from  the  other  half  of  his 
army,  his  staff  saw  that  he  felt  more  than  he  dare 
express.  As  one  after  another  came  back,  drenching 
wet  from  his  fruitless  efforts  to  penetrate  to  those 
brigades,  his  anxiety  increased,  and  not  till  the  brave 
and  indefatigable  Lee  brought  a  message  from 
Shields,  did  he  breathe  free  again.     The  first  gun 


HIS    ADDr.ESS    TO    THE    TEOOPS.  116 

fired  at  day-break  on  tlie  brigade  of  Shields  brought 
him  to  the  saddle,  and  he  and  his  escort  swept  along 
the  road  towards  Contreras.  But  before  he  arrived 
the  hill  was  carried,  the  battle  won,  and  he  beheld 
wdth  the  enthusiastic  joj  of  youth  the  dismembered 
and  fugitive  army  of  Yalentia  streaming  over  the 
fields.  As  those  brave  brigades  saw  him  approach, 
there  went  up  a  shout  as  loud  as  that  which  greeted 
the  morning  sun  when  the  American  flag  floated 
from  the  toj)  of  Contreras.  Hiding  up  to  the  rifles, 
he  exclaimed,  "  Brave  rifles^  yoio  have  heen  hajptlzed 
in  fire  and  hlood^  and  co'me  out  steeV  He  was 
mounted  on  a  horse  seventeen  or  eighteen  hands 
high,  and  with  his  tall  form  towering  above  all  his 
escort,  he  rode  slowly  amid  the  ranks,  while  the 
very  heavens  shook  with  the  acchimations  of  the  sol- 
diers. There  was  a  wiklness  and  enthusiasm  in  the 
welcome  that  the  composure  of  that  iron-hearted 
chief  could  no  longer  resist.  This  almost  fierce  mani- 
festation of  love  unmanned  him,  and  reining  up  his 
horse,  he  dropped  the  bridle,  and  stretching  out  his 
hands,  while  his  lips  quivered  and  his  eye  moistened 
with  feeling,  he  exclaimed,  "  silence^  silenced  The 
tumult  suddenly  hushed,  and  every  ear  was  bent  to 
catch  the  words  that  should  fall  from  his  lips. 

With  his.  hand  still  outstretched,  and  his  face 
turned  towards  heaven,  he  exclaimed,  "  Soldiers^ 
in  tlie  first  ijlace^  great  glory  to  God;   in  the  second 


11 G  WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

^lace  great  glory  to  this  gallant  little  arrayp  "  Oli," 
said  one  of  the  officers,  ''  you  sliould  liave  heard  the 
frantic  shouts  and  hurrahs  that  followed."  It  seemed 
as  if  the  soldiers  would  break  their  ranks  and  tear 
him  from  his  horse.  The  doubts  and  distrust  of  the 
night  before  had  given  way  to  unbounded  confidence 
in  their  leader's  skill,  and  at  his  command  they  now 
would  have  charged  on  ten  or  ten  thousand  alike.  The 
gallant  4th  artillery  lost  two  guns  at  the  battle  of 
Buena  Yista,  though  not  until  Captain  O'Brien  had 
seen  his  whole  section  shot  down  and  stood  alone 
with  his  pieces.  Here  they  were  retaken,  and  this 
noble  company  gathered  round  them  with  cheer  after 
cheer.  Scott  riding  up  at  the  moment,  waved  his 
hand  and  shouted  with  the  rest,  and  exultation  and  joy 
reigned  throughout  the  army.  Three  thousand  five 
hundred  men  had  demolished,  with  a  single  blow, 
an  ai*my  of  seven  thousand. 

The  day's  work,  however,  glorious  as  it  had  been, 
was  not  yet  completed.  Three  more  battles  and 
three  more  victories  were  to  be  fou2:ht  and  won  be- 
fore  sunset.  The  American  army  was  now  in  the 
very  midst  of  fortifications,  and  could  not  pause. 
Behind  and  near  it  lay  San  Antonia,  and  before  it 
and  only  four  miles  distant  Churubusco.  The  for- 
mer was  in  reality  turned,  and  when  Garland,  with 
his  brigade  approached,  the  Mexicans  fled,  and  he 
took  possession  without  resistance,  and  uniting  with 


cnrEUErsco.  11 T 

Clarke,  wliicli  liad  cut  tlie  retiring  column  in  two, 
started  in  fierce  pursuit. 

BATTLE   OF   CHIJKIIBUSCO. 

But  tlie  great  movement  of  tlie  day  was  onCliuru- 
busco,  where    Santa   Anna   liad    concentrated  Lis 
troops,  and  where  the  fugitives  from  Contreras  and 
San  Antonia  rallied.     Churubusco  was  on  the  great 
causeway  leading  :£i-om  San  Antonia,  to  Mexico,  but 
a  canal  stretched  along  in  fi-ont  of  it,  over  which 
the  causeway  was   continued  by  a   bridge.      This 
bridge  was  swept  by  batteries,  and  a  column  advanc- 
ino-  over  the  causewav  to  its  still  narrower  entrance 
would  be  exposed  to  a  concentrated  and  tremendous 
fire.     To  make  the  approach  still  more  perilous,  a 
field  work  had  been  erected   some  three  hundred 
yards  in  front  of  this  teUdujpont  though  a  little  one 
side  of  the   causeway.     Tliis  was  composed  of  a 
hacienda   surrounded    by   a  wall   pierced  with   a 
double  row  of  embrasures  and  commanding  the  road 
—a  stone  building  inside  still  higher,  and  a  fortified 
church  higher  than  all.    The  batteries  mounted  here 
not  only  overlooked  and  swept  the  road  along  which 
the  American  columns  must  pass,  but  were  within 
close  cannon  shot  of  the  bridge  which  was  to  be  car- 
ried by  storm.    There  was,  however,  a  side  road  to 
the  hacienda  from  Coyhoacan,  and  along  this  the 


lis  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

divisions  of  Twiggs  and  Pillow,  together  with  Shields 
brigade,  accompanied  by  the  rifles,  were  to  advance 
and  divert  its  fire  from  "Worth,  who,  keej^ing  along 
the  main  causeway  from  San  Antonia,  would  leave 
it  one  side,  and  be  arrested  only  at  the  bridge. 
Thus  two  separate  battles  were  to  be  fought  within 
half  cannon  shot  of  each  other. 

Scott,  accompanying  Pillow's  division,  had  halted 
when  within  a  mile  of  Churubusco,  and  arranged  the 
whole  attack.  He  then  took  his  ^Dosition  on  the  top 
of  a  house,  where  he  could  survey  both  battle-fields, 
whose  clouds  were  to  mingle  into  one.  The  brigades 
of  Shields  and  Pierce  were  ordered  to  occu2-)y  a  cross 
road  which  led  to  the  rear  of  Churubusco,  and  thus 
efifect  the  double  purpose  of  deterring  Santa  Anna 
from  sending  reinforcements  to  the  hacienda,  by  keep- 
ing him  in  constant  fear  of  an  attack  on  his  rear  and 
flank,  and  also  of  cutting  off  the  retreat  of  Pincon's 
army  should  Twiggs  succeed  in  driving  it  out.  No- 
thing could  be  more  perfect  than  this  plan  of  General 
Scott's.  By  it,  he  prevented  Santa  Anna  from  con- 
centrating his  overwhelming  force  on  a  single  point. 
He  confused  and  distracted  him  so,  that  he  did  not 
know  where  the  heaviest  blow  was  to  fall ;  while,  at 
the  same  time,  so  much  was  threatened,  that  defeat 
anywhere  seemed  to  involve  complete  ruin.  This 
spreading  of  so  many  meshes  around  the  feet  of  the 
enemy,  exhibits  the  wonderful  generalship  of  Scott. 


ms  GE]SrERALSHTP.  119 

A  commander  is  great  in  proportion  to  the  extent  of 
his  resonrces ;  and  though  the  world  generally  does 
not  understand  this,  it  gives  him  full  credit  in  the 
results  which  it  can  understand.  "When  the  soldier 
becomes  aware  of  it,  he  moves  to  his  station  in 
perfect  assurance  of  victory.  He  loves  the  com- 
mander who,  by  his  daring  and  stubborn  resolution, 
tramples  under  foot  the  best-laid  schemes  ;  but  he 
delights  still  more  in  one  who  can  not  only  outfight^ 
but  outwit  the  enemy.  Especially  is  this  true  of  the 
American  soldier,  for,  to  an  American,  a  man  over- 
reached  is  already  a  beaten  man.  Besides,  he  feels  a 
certain  elasticity  and  confidence  the  moment  that  he 
finds  his  foe  disconcerted.  It  was  thus  Scott  acquired 
such  an  ascendancy  over  his  troops.  They  did  not  care 
what  his  orders  were — they  knew  they  could  be  ful- 
filled. The  character  of  the  separate  duties  of  brigades 
or  regiments,  or  the  difiiculties  in  the  path  of  each, 
were  not  to  be  considered,  the  general,  final  result 
would  inevitably  be  a  victory.  Defeat  under  Scott 
the  army  came  at  last  to  consider  impossible.  He  could 
not  commit  a  blunder ;  and  should  a  repulse  occur, 
the  blame  must  rest  on  the  troops,  not  on  him.  Their 
confidence  was  not  misplaced,  and  that  same  confi- 
dence gave  them  tenfold  power.  Whether  standing 
quietly  under  a  murderous  fire,  or  stonning  almost 
inaccessible  heights,  the  thought  of  not  succeeding,  if 


120  WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

their  cLief  was  looking  on,  never  entered  their  minds. 
His  direction  to  do  a  thing,  was  conclusive  evidence 
that  it  could  be  done. 

Everything  being  ready,  at  one  o'clock  the  order 
"was  given  to  advance,  and  Scott  saw  the  columns 
moving  along  the  different  roads  in  beautiful  order. 
At  length  they  came  within  reach  of  the  Mexican 
batteries,  which  opened  a  tremendous  fire  upon  them. 
Twiggs,  marching  full  on  the  hacienda,  planted  his 
guns  in  close  range,  and" the  next  moment  the  plain 
shook  with  their  heavy  explosions.  The  cannonading 
was  like  the  incessant  roll  of  thunder.  Through  the 
smoke  that  rolled  over  the  causeway  and  past  this 
blazing  volcano,  Worth  led  his  division  swiftly  towards 
the  batteries  on  the  bridge.  Colonel  Garland,  a  little 
to  the  right  of  the  road,  and  Clarke  and  Cadwallader 
directly  on  the  road,  marched  steadily  forward  througli 
the  fire.  The  heads  of  the  columns  melted  away 
before  the  sweeping  discharges  from  the  batteries 
on  the  bridge,  but  the  ranks  closed  steadily  up, 
and  under  those  gallant  leaders,  pressed  firmly  on. 
Garland's  column  suffered  severely  from  a  line  of 
infantry  as  he  approached,  but  nothing  could  check 
the  ardor  of  his  troops,  that  kept  pushing  on  till  the 
line  before  them  broke  and  fled.  Clarke's  brigade, 
with  equal  coolness,  kept  moving  up,  making  straight 
for  the  bridge.  The  uproar  of  the  two  battles,  not 
over  three  hundred  yards  apart,  was  at  this  moment 


cHTRrBrsco.  121 

terrific.  Nothing  like  it  had  ever  been  heard  on 
the  plains  of  Mexico,  and  the  domes  and  towers  of 
the  city  were  crowded  with  men  and  women  gazing 
off  where  the  white  and  sulphurous  clouds  rolling  up 
in  the  distance  revealed  the  place  of  coniiict.  After 
an  hour  and  a  half  of  incessant  fighting,  Clarke's 
brigade  at  length  reached  the  tete  du ])ont ;  the  order 
to  charge  passed  through  the  excited  ranks,  and  with  a 
loud  shout,  they  crowded  across  the  ditch,  stormed 
the  parapets,  and  rushing  furiously  over  the  bridge 
streamed  after  the  fugitives  as  they  fled  towards  the 
capital.  Twiggs  heard  the  thunder  of  battle  rolling 
away  from  him,  and  he  knew  the  bridge  was  carried, 
and  that  the  victorious  division  of  Worth  was  chasing 
the  enemy  before  it,  and  he  resolved  it  should  not 
be  the  last  victory  of  that  day.  He  had  stood  for  two 
hours  and  a  half  under  the  murderous  fire  of  the 
batteries,  and  by  directing  them  on  himself,  saved 
TTorth  from  destruction. 

Santa  Anna,  seeins;  how  the  battle  was  eroino-, 
suddenly  poured  four  thousand  infantry,  and  tliree 
thousand  cavalry  on  the  brigades  of  Pierce  and 
Shields.  Here  were  no  defences,  and  it  seemed  im- 
possible  that  these  two  brigades  could  stand  the 
weight  of  such  overpowering  masses.  But  these 
rifles  "had  been  baptized  in  fire  and  blood,"  and 
their  quick,  deadly  fij-e  empted  saddles  with  frightful 
rapidity. 


122  WTXFIELD    SCOTT. 

The  xs"ew  York  and  South  Carolina  volunteers 
vieing  with  each  other  in  heroic  daring  and  steady 
courage,  bore  up  against  these  heavy  onsets  with  the 
firmness  of  veterans,  and  pouring  themselves  in 
tumultuous  shouts  on  the  enemy,  swept  them  again 
and  again  from  their  batteries.  They  melted  away 
like  the  morning  mist,  but  still  shoulder  to  shoulder 
they  moved  unflinchingly  through  the  storm.  The 
road  was  packed  and  jDiled  with  the  dead,  and  that 
curtain  of  brave  men,  which  alone  kept  Santa 
Anna's  masses  from  falling  on  the  already  exhausted 
Twiggs,  was  rent  into  fragments, — still,  with  such  a 
leader  as  Shields,  they  could  not  be  beaten.  Brave, 
resolute,  and  with  a  tenacity  of  will  nothing  but 
death  could  shake,  he  moved  amid  his  m.en  a  tower 
of  strength.  Once  surrounded,  he  told  his  troops  to 
charge  through  the  hostile  ranks.  They  obeyed, 
rending  the  line  asunder  as  though  it  had  been  a 
band  of  straw. 

Scott  saw  the  peril  of  this  brave  commander,  and 
the  regiments  of  Ransom,  "Wood,  and  Morgan  were 
successively  hurried  to  his  aid.  One  after  another 
they  came  at  the  jpas  de  charge^  and  shouting  cheer- 
fullv  to  tteir  hard  beset  comrades,  went  rollins^  like 
loosened  cliffs  on  the  foe.  Shields  heard  their  shouts 
with  joy,  for  his  brave  Carolinian  and  Kew  York 
volunteers  were  fast  filling  their  glorious  graves. 
The  gallant  Butler  fell  cheering  on  his  men,  and  for 


TIFE  VICTOEY.  123 

a  long  time  Twiggs  listened  to  tliis  incessant  and 
tremendous  firing  in  Lis  rear  with  the  deepest 
anxiety. 

Santa  Anna  was  making  a  desperate  effort  to  re- 
trieve the  losses  of  the  morning,  and  again  and  again 
bore  fiercely  down  with  the  flower  of  the  Mexican 
cavalrv  on  the  diminutive  force  that  so  steadily  beat 
back  his  legions.  But  no  defeat  was  to  mar  that  day 
so  gloriously  begun ;  and  Santa  Anna  was  at  length 
compelled  to  give  way. 

The  veteran  Twiggs,  drawing  his  girdle  of  fire  still 
closer  and  closer  around  that  hacienda,  at  leno-th  car- 
ried  it  sword  in  hand,  and  Eincon's  army  streamed 
after  the  other  fugitives  towards  Mexico.  The  dead 
and  the  dying  were  left  in  their  gore,  and  the  tide 
of  battle  swept  fiercely  away  towards  the  capital. 
Til  at  causeway  was  dark  with  men,  and  fluttering 
with  standards,  w^hile  white  spots  of  smoke  in  the  dis- 
tance, and  the  far  off  roll  of  cannon,  and  faintly  heard 
shouts  told  that  the  work  of  death  was  not  yet  done. 

The  gay  and  brilliant  uniform  of  the  Mexican 
lancers  as  they  galloped  frantically  in  long  columns 
along  the  causeway  over  their  own  infantrj^,  present- 
ed a  striking  contrast  to  the  dark,  compact  body  of 
American  dragoons  that  pressed  on  their  flying  traces. 
It  was  a  w^ild,  exciting  scene.  The  blood  of  those  bold 
dragoons  was  up,  and  they  never  pulled  rein  till  they 
reached  the  gates  of  Mexico. 


124:  WINTTELD   SCOTT. 

The  American  bugle,  sounding  the  recall  under 
the  walls  of  the  capital,  was  ominous  of  evil. 
Kearney,  with  one  arm  shattered,  then  led  his  troop 
back  over  the  field  of  slaughter.  Xine  thousand 
Americans  had  trampled  under  foot  thirty  thousand 
Mexicans.  The  field  presented  a  ghastly  spectacle. 
Friend  and  foe  lay  side  by  side,  while  cries  of  distress 
and  moans  arose  in  every  direction.  The  earth  had 
been  soaked  with  the  blood  of  brave  men,  on  whose 
cold  dull  ears,  the  triumphant  shouts  of  regiment  after 
regiment  as  they  returned  from  the  pursuit,  fell  unheed- 
ed. "What  a  day  this  had  been,  and  what  a  scene  the 
sun  in  his  course  had  looked  upon.  His  rising  beams 
flashed  on  the  crimson  summit  of  Contreras ;  his 
noonday  splendor  failed  to  pierce  the  war  cloud  that 
shrouded  the  tens  of  thousands  struggling  in  mortal 
combat  around  Churubusco,  and  now  his  departing 
rays,  as  he  stooped  behind  the  Cordilleras,  fell  on  a 
mournful  field  of  slaughter.  But  they  kissed  in  their 
farewell  the  American  standard  fluttering  from  every 
summit  and  tower,  where  in  the  morning  the  Mexi- 
can cross  greeted  his  coming. 

"What  a  contrast  did  the  two  nights  present.  At 
sunset  the  day  before,  the  American  soldiers  had  suf- 
fered defeat,  and  were  desponding;  to-night,  they  were 
frantic  with  joy  and  exultation.  Scott,  cut  ofl'  from 
half  his  troops,  who,  discouraged,  sad,  and  sorrowful, 
and  drenched  to  the  skin,  stood  at  midnight  under  the 


AFTEE  TIIE  BATTLE.  125 

batteries  at  Contreras  ;  and  Scott  riding  through  his 
gallant  army,  that  rent  the  heavens  with  acclamations, 
is  hardly  the  same  man.  Fonr  brilliant  victories  in 
one  day,  and  every  strong  defence  but  one  between 
him  and  the  capital  broken  down,  lifted  a  weight  from 
his  heart,  the  pressure  of  which  no  one  had  known. 
And  as  he  now  rode  up  to  the  thinned  and  blackened 
regiments,  he  addressed  them  by  turn  in  enthusiastic 
praise.  He  called  them  his  brave  comrades,  and  as 
they  crowded  around  to  seize  his  hand,  told  them  they 
had  covered  their  country's  flag  with  glory.  He  loves 
the  brave,  and  as  he  passed  along,  his  very  face  was 
eloquent  with  feeling.  This  open  and  unbounded 
commendation,  raised  to  the  last  pitch  of  excitement 
the  already  enthusiastic  troops,  and  their  shouts  and 
acclamations  shook  the  very  j)lain  on  which  they 
stood.  The  brave  old  Eincon  leaned  from  the  balcony 
of  the  church  he  had  so  gallantly  defended,  and 
though  a  prisoner,  gazed  with  undisguised  delight  on 
this  manifestation  of  unbounded  love  for  their  leader. 
He  could  not  escape  the  contagion  of  the  enthusiasm, 
and  loved  his  captors  better  for  their  devotion  to  their 
noble  commander.  Soldiers  will  ever  love  such  a 
chief,  and  such  a  chief  will  ever  be  worshipped  by  his 
soldiers.  Scott  had  good  reason  to  be  proud  of  his 
army.  Since  morniyg  they  had  stormed  and  taken 
Contreras,  the  bridge  and  citadel  of  Churubusco,  cap- 
tured San  Antonia,  and  beaten  Santa  Anna  in  the 


12G  WINPIELD    SCOTT. 

open  field.  Such  a  day's  work  was  never  done  by 
nine  thousand  men  before.  As  one  looked  on  those 
heavy  batteries,  and  almost  impregnable  defences,  it 
seemed  impossible  that  they  had  all  been  carried 
within  twelve  hours.  But  a  few  more  such  days 
would  annihilate  the  American  army.  A  thousand 
men  had  fallen,  and  among  them  nearly  eighty  officers. 
The  American  uniform  was  sprinkled  thick  around 
those  grim  batteries ;  and  victories  that  cost  him  a 
ninth  part  of  his  men  killed  and  wounded,  would  soon 
leave  Scott  destitute.  He  was  nearly  three  hundred 
miles  from  Yera  Cruz,  with  only  eight  thousand  un- 
wounded  men  around  him.  "With  this  comj)arative 
handful,  he  was  yet  to  carry  a  still  more  impregnable 
fortress  and  the  capital  itself.  He  thought  of  those 
things  on  that  night  of  triumph.  But  the  weary  army, 
flushed  with  victory,  dreamed  only  of  greater  triumphs 
to  come.  The  thunder  of  battle  had  ceased;  the 
carnage  and  strife  were  done  ;  and  the  living  and  the 
dead  slept  side  by  side  on  the  field  where  they  had 
struggled.  The  uproar  of  the  day  gave  way  to  the 
silence  of  nio;ht.  ISTature,  taking;  no  note  of  man's  in- 
human  strifes,  wore  the  same  tranquil  look  as  ever, 
and  the  breath  of  summer  fanned  lowland  and  upland 
as  gently  as  though  no  groaning  men  cumbered  the 
field.  The  stars  came  out  on  the  sky,  and  shed  their 
pure  radiance  on  tlie  blackened  batteries  and  crimson 
intrenchments,  keeping  watch  all  that  peaceful  night 


NIGHT    SCENE.  127 

with  the  sentry  as  he  walked  his  weary  rounds.  The 
flags  that  had  been  carried  so  resistlessly  through  the 
Btorm  of  battle,  drooped  adown  their  staves, — emblmes 
of  victory  all  unheeded  now  by  the  fiery  sleepers  be- 
neath. The  day  had  opened  and  closed  in  blood  and 
slaughter,  yet  the  night  showed  no  change.  Far  away, 
along  the  green  valleys  and  hill  sides  of  this  free 
land,  were  fathers,  and  mothers,  and  brothers,  and 
sisters,  and  wives,  who  little  knew  how  laden  with 
Borrrow  that  briglit  summer  day  had  been  to  them. 
How  inscrutable  are  the  designs  of  heaven,  and  how 
unthinkingly  men  carry  them  out.  Scott,  who  had 
seen  enough  of  carnage,  wrote  after  this  dreadful  day, 
"  enough  blood  has  been  shed  in  this  unnatural  war  ;" 
and  to  all  thinking  men,  it  seemed  a  wicked  and  use- 
less waste  of  life.  The  former  it  doubtless  was  ;  of  the 
latter,  we  are  not  so  sure. 

Victories  are  no  longer  mere  indications  of  prowess 
and  strength.  Linked  together  as  nations  now  are, 
they  tell  on  civilization  and  on  the  destiny  of  the 
world.  The  authors  of  this  war  are  without  excuse, 
but  what  necessary  link  it  may  form  in  the  chain  of 
human  events  no  one  is  able  to  determine.  It  in  the 
first  place  saved  West  Point  Academy,  which  in  the 
end  may  save  the  republic,  and  doubtless,  will  save 
more  men  than  fell  between  Vera  Cruz  and  Mexico. 
It  gave  us  a  position  in  Europe,  and  thus  strength- 
ened the  hopes  of  freedom  everywhere.     It  gave  us 


128  WrS-TIELD   SCOTT. 

also  aiitlioritv  in  a  country  wliere  we  tlien  tlionglit  we 
had  no  interest ;  bnt  where  now  we  see  we  have 
Hinch.  It  removed  (and  we  trust  forever)  the  absurd 
and  insane  idea,  that  educated  ^  officers  were  not 
needed  in  this  country — ^that  from  the  masses  would 
spring  able  generals  like  mushrooms  after  a  rain.  It 
has  inspired  respect  abroad  and  coniidence  at  home, 
by  showing  the  real  strength  of  the  nation.  That 
little  army  sleeping  almost  under  the  walls  of  Mexi- 
co, has  at  least  turned  over  a  new  leaf  in  the  book 
of  history,  if  not  for  good  then  for  evil. 

Tlie  next  morning  Scott  while  moving  to  Coyhoa- 
can  was  met  by  commissioners  from  Santa  Anna, 
proposing  an  armistice.  He  replied  that  he  was 
willing  to  accede  to  one,  and  they  would  find  him 
that  night  at  Tacubaya.  The  road  thither  passed 
within  reach  of  the  batteries  of  Chapultepec,  and 
the  commissioners  told  '  him  if  he  would  delay  his 
march  a  few  hours,  orders  would  be  issued  to  pre- 
vent him  and  his  escort  from  being  fired  upon. 
Scott  thanked  them  for  their  kindness,  but  with  his 
hundred  dragoons  boldly  proceeded  on  his  way,  and 
slept  that  night  in  the  Archiepiscopal  palace  of 
Mexico,  and  in  full  view  of  the  domes  and  towers  of 
the  capital.  It  is  thought  that  at  this  time  he  could 
have  prevented  another  battle  by  assailing  the  city 
with  shells.  But  the  carnage  would  be  frightful  in 
that  crowded  population,  and  he  humanely  listened 


THE   ABMISTIOE.  129 

to  tlie  first  overtures  for  peace.    Tins  liumanity, 
however,  in  tlie  end  cost  liim  liis  bravest  troops. 

Tlie   administration  in  power  at  this  time  did 
nothing  but  heap  bhmder  on  blunder  in  their  efforts 
to  conduct  the  war.    The  insane  project  of  placing 
a   lieutenant-general   over  Scott,  was  followed  by 
one  not  so  despicable  but  equally  absurd-the  ap- 
pointment of  an  agent  to  treat  with  the  Mexican 
powers    The  mere  fact  announced atPuebla, excited 
thecontemptof  theofflcers,and  inflated  the  Mexicans 
.vith  arrogance.     Having  sent  an  army  of  invasion 
into  Mexico  it  should   have   empowered  the  com- 
mander-in-chief alone  to  treat  with  its  rulers,  imtil 
regular  commissioners  had  been  appointed  to  nego- 
tiate a  peace  away  from  the  field  of  battle.    But  it 
seemed  tated  that  nothing  but  the  gallantry  of  the 
American    army    should    redeem    the    errors     in 
.vhich    this   "unnatural    war"    had    commenced. 
There  was  justice  at  least  in  this,  for  neither  the 
merit  or  blame  has  ever  been  or  will  be  divided. 
The  crime  rests  with  the  administration,  the  glary 
■with  the  army. 


CHAPTEK  Y. 

The  Armistice — Scott  resolves  to  carry  Chapultepec  by  storm — Description  of 
the  Fortress— Battle  of  Molino  Del  Eey— The  field  pfter  the  victory— The  con- 
dition and  prospects  of  the  Army  at  this  time — Misbebaviour  of  the  Government 
•—Defence  of  Scott— His  plan  for  assaulting  Chapultepec— Day  preceding  fha 
Battle— The  final  attack. 

For  nearly  three  weeks  Scott  and  his  patient  little 
army  sat  down  in  full  view  of  Mexico,  waiting  the 
movements  of  Mr.  Trist  and  the  Mexican  Corauiis- 
sioners.  This  project  of  sending  an  agent  two  thou- 
sand miles  distant,  to  present  a  treaty  either  before  or 
after  a  battle, — claiming  the  right  to  arrest  and  delay 
the  movements  of  an  army,  at  a  time  when  the  Com- 
mander-in-chief might  deem  it  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance to  advance,  was  another  folly  in  that  series  of 
follies  which  had  characterized  the  whole  course  of 
the  administration  from  the  commencement  of  the 
war. 

Scott,  however,  did  not  remain  idle.  In  the  first 
place,  twenty-nine  deserters  taken  in  the  citadel  of 
Churubusco  were  tried  by  court-martial.     Fighting 


EXECUTION    OF    lESEETERS.  131 

with  a  halter  about  their  necks,  they  had  fought  like 
demons,  doing  more  execution  than  a  whole  regiment 
of  Mexicans.  Sixteen  of  these  wretches  were  huno;, 
and  their  blackened  corpses  left  to  swing  in  the  wind, 
a  terrible  example  to  traitors.  The  city,  in  the  mean- 
time, was  carefully  studied,  and  every  plan  for  secur- 
ing  its  downfall  thoroughly  weighed  and  examined. 
But  his  position,  notwithstanding  the  great  victories 
achieved,  was  ]3erilous  in  the  extreme.  Cut  off  from 
all  resources,  with  an  army  of  more  than  thirty  thou- 
sand men,  and  a  fortified  city  of  two  hundred  thou- 
sand inhabitants  before  him,  he  surveyed  his  little 
army  of  eight  thousand  men  with  an  anxious  heart. 
He  could  rely  on  them,  for  he  had  tried  them.  But 
one  day  of  disaster  would  shake  it  sadly.  To  retreat 
after  a  severe  defeat  would  be  impossible.  The  terror 
of  his  arms  alone  kept  down  the  inhabitants.  With 
that  gone,  the  swarming  population  would  gather  in 
endless  thousands  around  his  path,  and  the  Mexican 
cavalry  trample  down  his  enfeebled  battalions  from 
the  capital  to  Yera  Cruz.  Like  Taylor  at  Buena 
Yista,  it  was  victory  or  ruin  with  him. 

Anticipating  failure  in  the  negotiations,  he  had, 
after  a  close  examination  of  the  various  modes  of 
assaulting  the  capital,  adopted  a  plan  of  operations, 
which  he  resolved  to  commence  the  moment  the 
armistice  should  close.  There  were  eight  different 
avenues  to  the  city  in  its  entire  circuit,  terminating 


132  WLNi'iELD   SCOTT. 

in  five  gates,  eacli  of  which  constituted  a  small  fort, 
where  a  few  men  and  cannon  could  resist  almost  any 
force  brought  against  it.     Around  a  part  of  the  city 
stretched   an   impassable   morass,   crossed   by   long 
causeways,  commanded  by  batteries  from  the  walls, 
and  also  by  the  castle  of  Chapultepec.     Around  the 
other  portion  stretched  a  wide  canal,  which  it  would 
be  necessary  to  bridge  under  the  enemy's  fire.     But 
could  all  these  obstacles  be  overcome,  there  remained 
the  fortress  of  Chapultepec,  overlooking   and  com- 
manding the  city,  so  that  if  the  American  army  were 
once   within,   they   could    not    hold    it   should    the 
Mexicans    resolve   to    bombard   their   own   capital. 
But  with  Chapultepec  in  his  power,  Scott  would  have 
the  town  under  his  guns,  and  it  must  fall.   He,  there- 
fore, resolved  to  assail  it,  notwithstanding  the  almost 
impregnable  fortifications  that  defended  it.   But  with 
a  less  skilful    commander  than   he,  or  with  a  less 
gallant  army  that  closed  resolutely  around  him,  its 
conquest  would  have  been  impossible.     It  was  sur- 
rounded at   the  base  by  a  high  massive  wall ;   its 
sides  were  spotted  with  forts  and  walls  ;   and  from 
its  top,   a  hundred   and   fifty  feet   high,   arose  the 
castle,  with  its  wings,  bastions,  parapets,  and  redoubts, 
all   surmounted  by  a  splendid  dome,   that   flashed 
proudly  in  the  clear  sunlight.    Around  this  castle  ran 
two  strong  walls,  ten  or  fifteen  feet  high,  over  which 
the  troops   must  climb   before  they  could  ejSect  an 


CHAPULTEPEC.  133 

entrance.  The  whole  frowning  top  was  covered  with 
heavy  cannon  defended  by  an  army  of  thirty  thousand 
men.  Only  on  one  side  could  this  precipitous  rock 
be  scaled  ;  the  western,  towards  the  city.  This  was 
clothed  with  a  heavy  forest :  but  at  the  base  were  two 
fortified  positions,  ITolino  del  Key,  or  the  King's 
Mill,  a  thick  stone  building  with  towers,  and  Casa  de 
Mata,  another  massive  stone  building,  the  two  stand- 
ing about  four  hundred  yards  apart.  In  this  admir- 
able position,  Santa  Anna  had  placed  an  army  four- 
teen thousand  strong ;  its  two  extremities  resting  on 
these  fortified  structures,  and  his  centre  protected 
by  a  heavy  battery.  This  force,  stretching  four  hun- 
dred yards,  from  building  to  building,  broken  by  only 
the  field  battery  in  the  centre,  presented  an  imposing 
appearance. 

Thus  stood  mattei-s  on  the  7th,  when  the  armistice 
was  broken  off.  Mr.  Trist  had  demanded  all  that 
disputed  country  between  N'ueces  and  the  Kio  Grande, 
the  whole  of  'New  Mexico  and  upper  and  lower  Cali- 
fornia. The  Mexican  commissioners  presented  a 
counter  project,  differing  widely  from  this  basis. 
After  much  discussion,  however,  they  acceded  to 
all  Mr.  Trist's  claims,  with  the  exception  of  cedino- 
the  south  part  of  JS'ew  Mexico  to  the  United  States.* 

*  They  refused  to  cede  the  territory  between  Nueces  and  the  Rio 
Grande  ;   but  were  willing  it  should  remain  unoccupied  by  either  na- 
tion— neutral  territory. 
8 


134  WIN  FIELD   SCOTT. 

By  what  process  the  administration  obtained  a  right 
to  this  territory  has  not  yet  transpired^  unless  by 
right  of  conquest,  which  from  the  first  was  disclaimed. 
Scott  perhaps  might  have  submitted  to  this  trifling  a 
little  longer,  had  not  the  representatives  of  Mexico, 
Jalisco  and  Zacatecas  issued  a  protest  against  the 
negociations  and  the  secretary  of  state,  a  circular  to 
the  states  of  Puebla  and  Mexico,  calling  for  a  levy 
en  masse^  "  in  order  that  they  may  attack  and  harass 
the  enemy  with  whatever  weapons  each  may  con- 
veniently procure,  whether  good  or  bad,  by  fire  or 
sword,  and  by  every  practicable  means  which  it  is 
possible  to  employ,  in  the  annihilating  of  an  invading 
army."  It  was  evidently  high  time  that  Scott  was 
bestirring  himself;  and  luckily  for  the  army  Mr. 
Trist  had  the  good  sense  to  see  the  unbounded  folly 
of  the  administration,  and  to  fall  in  with  the  views 
of  the  commander-in-chief.  This  was  a  catastrophe 
that  had  not  been  looked  for  at  home,  and  completed 
the  political  blunder,  out  of  which  had  grown  such  a 
terrible  tragedy. 

On  the  7th  of  September,  Scott  had  resolved  to 
storm  the  city  of  Mexico,  and  make  peace  within  its 
walls. 

BATTLE   OF   MOLIXO   DEL   RET. 

But  Chapultepec,  with  its  strong  defences,  must 
first  be  carried.     Preparatory  to  the  final  movement 


JdOLINO    DEL   KEY.  135 

on  tlie  heights  and  castle,  it  was  necessary  to  de- 
molish Santa  Anna,  with  his  fourteen  thousand  men 
at  the  base.  General  Worth  was  appointed  on  this 
perilous  enterprise,  and  whether  his  reconnaissance 
could  not  have  been  more  thorough  than  it  was,  or 
whether  he  unfortunately  considered  it  complete 
and  satisfactory,  at  all  events  he  was  ignorant  of  the 
true  strength  of  the  position,  until  his  torn  and 
mangled  division  revealed  it  to  him.  It  was  a  des- 
perate undertaking  to  attempt,  in  broad  daylight, 
with  a  little  over  three  thousand  men,  to  carry  those 
stone  buildings,  batteries,  and  all,  defended  by  four- 
teen thousand  troops.  But  "Worth,  like  Murat, 
rarely  counted  his  foes,  and  on  the  night  of  the  Yth 
divided  his  force  into  three  columns,  with  a  reserve 
under  Cadwallader,  to  act  where  it  should  be  most 
needed.  The  right  column,  under  Garland,  received 
orders  to  march  on  the  mill.  A  storming  party  of 
only  five  hundred  men,  commanded  by  Major 
Wright,  was  to  commence  the  attack  by  falling  sud- 
denly on  the  field  battery  in  the  centre,  while  the 
2d  brigade,  under  M'Intosh,  was  to  move  on  Casa 
de  Mata. 

Sumner,  with  his  dragoons,  hovered  on  the  Ame- 
rican left.  Scott  had  given  orders  to  have  the 
attack  made  if  possible  before  daylight.  Tliis,  how- 
ever, was  not  done,  although  the  columns  were  in 
motion  by  three  o'clock  in  the  morning.     Captain 


136  WINFEELD   SCOTT. 

Huger  had  been  directed  to  place  liis  battery  of  twen- 
tj-four  pounders,  so  as  to  cover  Garland's  advance, 
and  divert  tlie  fire  from  the  batteries  of  Chapulte- 
pec.      As   soon   as    daylight    sufficiently   revealed 
objects,  he  commenced  a  terrible  cannonade  on  the 
mill.     His  heavy  shot  tore  through  its  solid  walls 
with  such  effect,  that  the  position  was  soon  shaken. 
The  storming  party,  under  Major  Wright,  then 
dashed  forward  on  the  field  battery.     Midway  they 
were  met  by  a  most  horrible  and  destructive  fire- 
from  the  artillery.     Taking  it  without  flinching,  they 
with  shouts  pressed  forward  and  actually  carried  the 
battery.     Tlie  enemy  seeing  with  amazement  what 
a  handful  of  men  Avere  in  their  midst,  rallied,  and 
by  the  mere  weight  of  their  masses,  forced  this  gal- 
lant little  band  back.     In  a  moment  the  whole  line 
of  infantry  poured  in  their  volleys,  and  for  an  instant 
it  seemed  as  if  the  earth  had  swallowed  up  every 
man.     Eleven^  out  of  the  fourteen  officers  who  com- 
manded it,  were  shot  down,  and  the  stunned  and 
shattered  column,  staggered  back.     But  disdaining 
to  be  the  first  of  all  that  noble  army  to  fly,  it  stood 
and  bled  on  the  field  it  could  not  win,  till  Captain 
Ivirby  Smith,  with  a  light  battalion,  and  part  of 
Cadwallader's  brigade,  came  to  the  rescue.      Tlie 
two  forces  joined  with  shouts  and  hastily  forming, 
drove  with  resistless  power  on  the  battery,  and  took 
it.     The  Mexican  line  was  thus  severed,  and  the 


gaeland's  charge.  13T 

battle    resolved    itself    into    two    distinct    actions 
around  tlie  two  buildings.     Garland's  column  now 
took  up  its  march  for  tlie  mill,  which  seemed  on  flro 
from  the  blaze  of  its  own  guns.    That  fearless  and 
fiery   artillerist,  Captain  Drum,   with  two   pieces, 
moved  at  its  head,  while  above  them  the  twenty- 
four  pound  shot  of  Magruder,  swept  with  fearful 
accuracy  on   the  building.    Tlie  huge  black  balls 
could  be  traced  in  their  flight,  and  the  dull  heavy 
sound  of  their  concussion  was  heard  even  amid  the 
deafening  explosions  that   shook  the  field.     Drmn 
seemed  to  bear  a  charmed  life,  and  moved  amid  his 
guns  with  a  buoyancy  and  excitement  that  presented 
a  strange  contrast  to  the  carnage  around  him.     The 
advance  was  slow  and  toilsome,  for  that  slight  bat- 
tery had  to  contend  against   overwhelming  odds, 
and  its  progress   guaged  the  progress   of  the   col- 
umn    Covering  the  infantry,  it  had  to  make  a  path 
for  it  to  the  very  walls  of  the  mill.     Garland  cheer- 
ing on  his  troops,  watched  with  the  deepest  anxiety 
the  effect  of  its  fire,  for  should  it  be  silenced,  he 
would  be  compelled  to  march  over  the  wreck  of  his 
guns  and  push  the  naked,  uncovered  head  of  his  col- 
umn sternly  up  to  the  very  muzzles  of  the  Mexican 
cannon,  or  retreat.     He  did  not  mean  that  any  con- 
tingency should  force  him  to  the  latter  alternative, 
for  when  the  moment  of  decision  arrived,  he  had  re- 
solved to  charge  with  the  bayonet  over  barricades, 


138  TVINFIELD   SCOTT. 

guns,  gimners,  and  all.  At  length  wearied  witli  the 
effort  to  carry  forward  liis  column  in  the  face  of  such 
a  destructive  fire,  he,  while  Drum  was  advancing  his 
pieces,  called  a  drummer,  and  bade  him  set  down 
his  drum  as  a  seat  on  which  he  could  for  a  moment 
rest.  At  the  instant  a  grape  shot  struck  the  cap 
from  his  head.  Had  he  been  standing  erect,  it  would 
have  passed  through  his  body,  and  one  more  name 
been  added  to  the  long  list  of  heroes  whose  bones 
repose  in  the  plains  of  Mexico. 

At  length,  under  the  concentrated  and  overwhelm- 
ing fire  of  the  Mexican  batteries,  every  gunner  be- 
longing to  Drum's  pieces  was  killed  or  wounded. 
He  then  called  on  the  infantry  to  supply  their  places, 
but  not  a  man  would  give  up  his  musket.  Tlirough 
fire  and  blood  he  had  toiled  his  way  to  the  spot 
where  the  bayonet  must  decide  the  conflict,  and  he 
would  not  yields  his  weapon  at  the  moment  he  most 
needed  it.  But  those  guns  must  be  served,  for  every 
shot  was  worth  a  regiment  of  men  in  demolishing 
the  defences  before  them.  They  were,  at  length, 
rolled  to  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  Mexican 
batteries,  where  they  played  with  a  rapidity  and 
power  nothing  could  withstand.  Yet  when  they 
reached  that  fearful  proximity,  every  artillerist  le- 
side  them  was  a  West  Point  officer.  Seeing  the  guns 
deserted,  and  seeing  too  the  vital  importance  of  their 
being  steadily  worked,  these  brave  and  noble  young 


THE    MILL    CAERIED- 


139 


officers  left  tlieir  commands   and  turned  common 
artillerists,  under  tlie  mm-derous  fire  tliat  had  cleared 
every  -un  of  its  man.    The  example  told  on  the 
soldiers.     Behind  a  battery   worked  by  their  own 
officers,  men  will  march  on  death   itself;  and  no 
sooner  was  the  order  to  charge  given,  than  clearmg 
every  obstacle  that  opposed  their  progress,   they 
stormed  that  mill  and  its  defences  with  resistless 
valor,  and  carried  them.     The  Mexicans  were  driven 
from  their  stronghold,  and  the   shout  proclaiming 
another  victory  rolled  up  the  rocky  sides  of  Chapul- 
tepec      Oh,  if  the  nation  knew  how  those   "lazy, 
book-educated  officers"  of  West  Point  led  that  gal- 
lant little  army  from  victory  to  victory,  they  would 
guard  this  institution  and  defend  its  honor  with  a 
^eal  and  energy  that  would  palsy  the  hand  lifted 

against  it. 

As  the  fearless  Garland  listened  to  the  shouts  that 
rung  from  that  battered  mill-house,  he  hoped  his 
brave  troops  would  never  have  another  such  a  task 

assigned  them. 

But  while  the  central  battery  had  been  carried, 
and  the  assault  on  the  mill  been  pressed  with  such 
resistless  vigor,  a  still  more  deadly  combat  had 
raged  around  the  Casa  de  Mata.  The  troops  assign- 
ed^to  the  assault  of  this  building  did  not  get  under 
way  till  the  sun  had  reached  the  horizon.  The 
scene  which  his  light  then  revealed  was  sufficient  to 


14:0  WINFiELD    3C0TT. 

daunt  tlie  stoutest  heart.  The  ground  leading  up 
to  the  building,  with  its  bastions  and  ditches,  was 
like  a  smooth  open  lawn.  ISTot  a  tree  or  shrub  fur- 
nished shelter  to  a  storming  party.  The  base  of  the 
intrenchments  was  lined  with  the  cactus,  whose  point- 
ed leaves,  tipped  with  dew,  sparkled  in  the  sun- 
beams, aj^pearing  like  ten  times  ten  thousands 
lance  points  flashing  in  the  light.  Behind  them 
full  five  thousand  men  stood  in  battle  array,  while 
the  artillery  swept  every  foot  of  the  smooth  green 
sward.  It  did  not  seem  possible  that  troops  could 
be  earned  over  that  exposed  plain  in  the  face  of 
such  batteries.  M*^Intosh,  however,  formed  his 
men,  and  proceeded  by  Duncan's  battery,  moved 
boldly  towards  the  building.  Duncan's  guns  were 
served  with  great  skill  and  effect,  and  vomiting 
forth  fii'e  and  death,  steadily  advanced.  But  the 
unsheltered  condition  of  the  troops  rendered  them  a 
fair  mark  for  the  enemy,  while  the  latter,  behind 
ditches  and  walls,  were  effectually  protected.  The 
ranks,  however,  closed  firmly  as  the  grape  and 
canister-shot  made  huge  gaps  through  them.  But 
they  were  fast  melting  away,  and  demanded  to  be 
led  to  the  charge.  The  command  was  given.  Past 
Duncan's  battery,  and  over  that  plain,  the  madden- 
ed battalions  swept  like  a  storm,  till  they  at  last 
stood  front  to  front  with  the  enemy.  Here  they 
were  stopped  by  the  strong  defences,  of  which,  till 


CASA    DE   MATA.  141 

tlien  tliey  liad  been  ignorant.  In  vain  they  made  des- 
perate efforts  to  pnsh  over  them  against  the  tremen- 
dous force  upon  the  opposite  side — -to  retreat  was 
worse  than  death.  The  spectacle  at  this  moment 
was  frightful.  Those  brave  regiments,  without  a 
bush  to  shelter  them,  standing  breast  to  breast,  and 
muzzle  to  muzzle,  with  a  well  sheltered  foe  out- 
numbering them  five  to  one,  was  a  sight  to  move 
the  bravest  heart.  Duncan's  battery  was  behind 
them,  and  could  no  longer  fire,  while  the  enemy's 
artillery  kept  hurling  its  loads  of  grape-shot  in  their 
midst.  There  was  no  cessation  to  the  volleys — 'Uo 
interval  in  the  explosions.  There  was  no  fall- 
ing back  and  rallying  to  another  charge.  The 
doomed  battalions  never  shook  or  faltered,  but 
sunk  where  they  stood,  unconquered  to  the  last. 
Thus,  for  two  hours  did  they  stand  on  tliat  open  field 
without  shrinkino^.  ]^o  such  firino^  had  ever  before 
been  witnessed  in  the  army.  It  was  one  continuous, 
rattKng,  deafening,  thunder-peal,  of  two  hours  dura- 
tion. Wra]3ped  in  clouds  of  their  own  making,  out 
of  which  their  shouts  of  defiance  rose,  the  Ameri- 
cans fought  that  hopeless  battle  with  a  fury  and 
desperation,  more  than  human.  The  carnage  was 
awful.  At  length  their  heroic  commander  was  shot 
down.  Scott  and  Waite  soon  followed  him,  and  the 
officers  in  command,  tired  of  the  murderous  work,  fell 
back  to  give  room  for  Duncan's  battery  to  play 


142  WIXFIELD   SCOTT. 

again,  and  tliat  tliunder-peal  was  for  a  moment 
hushed. 

While  these  brave  men  were  in  the  midst  of  this 
unparalleled  lire,  a  column  of  lancers,  several  thou- 
sand strong,  came  sweeping  down  to  crush  them  by  a 
sudden  charge  on  their  flank.  But  Duncan,  whose 
guns  were  now  idle,  saw  the  storm  that  was  about  to 
burst  on  them,  and  ordering  the  horses  to  his  pieces 
swept  in  a  gallop  over  the  field  towards  the  advancing 
column.  The  foment  he  got  in  good  grape  and 
canister  range,  he  unlimbered  and  poured  in  such 
a  rapid  and  scourging  fire  that  it  wheeled  and  fled, 
pressed  hard  by  Sumner's  cavalry. 

Xo  sooner  did  the  storming  column,  by  retiring, 
tmmask  Duncan's  guns,  than  they  again  opened 
on  the  building.  The  trooj)S  then  rallied  ; 
rushed  forward  and  crowding  over  the  ditches,  drove 
the  enemy  before  them.  The  victory  was  won,  but 
alas !  at  what  a  sacrifice.  That  bright  green  sward 
was  loaded  with  bodies,  and  crimson  with  blood. 
One  regiment  of  six  hundred  had  left  nearl}^  every 
other  man  upon  it.  As  the  smoke  of  battle  slowly 
lifted,  before  the  morning  sun,  those  two  black  and 
battered  buildings,  around  which  there  had  been  such 
a  death  struggle,  looked  strangely  grim  and  savage, 
amid  the  piles  of  dead  bodies  at  their  base.  Brave  men 
lay  w^eltering  in  blood,  or  reclining  on  their  elbows, 
were  faintly  calling  for  help.     Hundreds  borne  on 


THE    CAEXAGE.  143 

litters,  or  leaning  on  their  comrades'  shoulders,  as  they 
limped  slowly  away,  were  seen  moving  across  the 
field.  Mangled  forms  and  pallid  countenances  met 
the  beholder  at  every  turn,  for  in  that  line  of 
four-hundred  yards  nearly  eight  hundred  Americans 
had  fallen,  or  one-fourth  of  the  whole  division  en- 
gaged. The  Mexicans  had  fought  desperately.  Leon, 
their  bravest  general,  and  some  of  their  best  officers 
were  killed.  Scott,  as  he  rode  over  the  field  was 
filled  with  grief  at  the  terrible  slaughter,  by  w^hich 
the  victory  had  been  gained.  He  had  not  anticij)ated 
it,  and  feared  that  an  earlier  attack  or  a  more 
thorough  reconnaissance  might  have  prevented  it. 
He  went  into  the  hospital  and  visited  the  wounded, 
and  as  he  saw  fifty  brave  officers  lying  before  him, 
he  felt  how  much  he  had  been  weakened.  He  had, 
however,  a  word  of  encom-agement  and  kindness  for 
each.  It  was  his  custom  as  he  rode  over  the  field 
of  battle  to  pause  and  give  his  canteen  to  some  poor 
sufierer  who  stood  in  greater  need  than  others,  or 
whisper  a  promise  to  a  gallant  young  officer,  from 
whose  side  the  red  drops  were  trickling.  His  care 
of  the  sick  and  wounded  was  of  the  tenderest  kind, 
and  those  who  had  gazed  wdth  pride  and  veneration 
on  him  in  battle,  loved  him  as  a  father,  when 
w^ounded  and  sufi'ering  they  saw  him  stooping  over 
their  couches  in  the  hospital. 
The  base  of  Chapultepec  was  now  in  possession  of 


144  TVIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

the  American  army ;  but  commanded  avS  it  was  "by 
the  guns  of  the  fort,  the  position  could  not  be  held. 
Casa  de  Mata  was,  therefore,  blown  up,  and  the  mill 
rendered  useless.  Chapultepec  was  next  to  be  assailed ; 
and  yet,  after  deducting  the  sick,  wounded,  and  the 
different  garrisons,  Scott  had  a  force  of  but  little  over 
seven  thousand  men  with  which  to  do  it.  If  he  should 
be  weakened  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged 
and  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered,  as  much  as  he 
had  been  at  Molino  del  Rey,  but  a  handful  of  men 
would  be  left  him  to  conquer  Mexico.  These  repeated 
victories  were  telling  frightfully  on  that  unparalleled 
army,  whose  fate  must  be  sealed  before  reinforcements 
could  reach  it.  ISTothing  can  reveal  the  utter  ineffi- 
ciency, nay,  downright  madness  of  the  administration, 
more  than  the  position  of  that  army  at  this  moment. 
Victorious  in  every  engagement,  it  now  gathered 
around  the  last  great  obstacle  that  lay  between  it  and 
Mexico.  The  impregnable  character  of  the  fortress, 
defended  as  it  was  by  thirty  thousand  men,  and 
covered  with  heavy  artillery,  rendered  its  capture  so 
difficult,  that  in  the  attempt  the  army  would  in  all 
probability  suffer  more  severely  than  in  any  of  the 
battles  it  had  hitherto  fous-ht.  The  most  sano^uine 
could  not  expect  six  thousand  unwounded  men,  even 
if  victors,  to  remain  after  the  assault.  Six  thousand 
men,  nearly  three  hundred  miles  from  their  shij)s, 
without  depots  or  garrisons  on  the  way,  a  city  of  near 


PERIL    OF   THE    AKMY.  145 

a  quarter  of  a  million  before  them,  and  defended  by 
twentj-five  thousand  troops,  presented  a  noble,  yet 
fearful  spectacle.  But  who  placed  them  in  such  a 
perilous  position  ?  By  whose  neglect  was  the  most 
gallant  army  that  ever  trod  a  battle-field  so  seriously 
endangered  ?  Where  were  the  reinforcements  that 
should  have  poured  in  by  thousands  long  before  that 
little  band  gathered  with  undaunted  hearts  under  the 
crags  of  Chapultepec?  The  inefficiency  of  a  Com- 
mander-in-chief, unlooked  for  and  overwhelmins:  de- 
feats,  disasters  growing  out  of  treachery  or  cowardice, 
may  seriously  compromise  an  army,  and  yet  the 
government  be  blameless.  Events  that  could  not  be 
foreseen,  and  hence  not  be  guarded  against,  might 
leave  it  involved  and  reduced,  as  that  under  Scott  now 
was.  With  fifty  thousand  men  at  his  back,  he,  by  his 
inefficiency  or  mistakes  might  easily  have  done  it. 
But  he  could  not  he  in  the  condition  he  was^  without 
hlame  resting  on  some  one.  l^eglect  on  the  part  of  the 
government  that  was  criminal,  or  blunders  on  the 
part  of  the  Commander-in-chief  almost  equally  crimi- 
nal, had  brought  on  this  crisis.  But,  did  the  blame 
rest  with  Scott?  had  he  lost  a  battle?  had  he  wantonly 
sacrificed  his  men  ?  had  his  losses  been  unexpectedly 
large  ?  had  his  army  been  wasted  away  by  neglect  of 
the  sick  and  wounded,  or  want  of  provisions  and  care 
for  the  well  ?  Could  he,  with  the  means  in  hi^jooioer^ 
have  leen  hetter  off  than  he  was  f    No  !     Fortunately 


146  WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

the  facts  on  this  point  are  so  overwhelming,  that  every 
man  is  compelled  to  answer,  Xo.  Every  victory  but 
one  at  least,  had  been  purchased  at  the  least  possible 
sacrifice.  Fortresses  had  been  taken  and  armies 
beaten  at  a  loss  numerically  so  small  as  to  be  almost 
incredible.  The  skill,  genius,  and  humanity  of  the 
commander  had  stood  in  the  place  of  men.  They  had 
supplied  the  want  of  regiments  in  every  battle.  'No 
other  living  man  could  have  carried  that  army  so  far, 
over  so  many  obstacles,  through  so  many  unequal 
conflicts,  and  yet  drawn  it  up  at  the  base  of  Chapul- 
tepec  so  little  weakened  in  numbers  or  demoralized 
in  character. 

The  government  had  no  right  to  expect  such  re- 
sults— it  might  as  well  have  based  the  campaign  on 
probable  miracles.  'No,  a  careful  and  accurate  man, 
one  whose  judgment  could  be  relied  on,  would  say 
that  by  the  most  favorable  calculation,  Scott  could 
not  get  that  army  where  it  was  without  the  loss,  in 
killed  and  wounded,  of  at  least  eight  thousand  men, 
and  that  loss  would  have  finished  him.  By  the  rules 
of  every  military  campaign,  he  ought  to  have  been 
ruined,  and  his  army  annihilated.  The  country  had 
no  more  right  to  expect  success  with  such  means 
than  the  French  Directory  had  of  Bonaparte,  when 
it  put  him  over  the  half-starved  and  miserable  army 
of  Italy.  The  American  army  ought,  according  to 
all  reliable  rules,  to  have  perished,  and  nothing  but 


POLITICS   IN   THE   AKiir.  IttT 

the  great  qualities  of  a  single  man  saved  it.  If  it 
had  perished,  a  malediction  would  have  fallen  on 
the  administration,  which,  like  "the  primal  eldest 
curse,"  would  have  clung  to  it  for  ever. 

These  remarks  are  made  in  no  feeling  of  party 
spirit,  but  the  reckless  manner  in  which  that  army 
was  left  in  the  heart  of  Mexico,  demands  as  a  sim- 
ple act  of  justice  condemnation   from   every  man 
who  attempts  to  chronicle  its  victories.     The  lives 
of  our  chivalrous  volunteers,  our  tried  regulars,  and 
our  noble  officers,  are  not  thus  to  be  trifled  with. 
The  army  of  this  Eepublic  is  too  valuable  to  be  lost 
in  mere  political  squabbles,  or  from  culpable  igno- 
rance.   This  fact  cannot  be  urged  too  earnestly  on  the 
country.     The  President  being  the  Commander-in- 
chief  of  all  the  forces,  the  army  of  course  is  under 
his   control.     But  the   President  is   usually  imac- 
quainted  with  military  science,  and  easily  yields  to 
the  suggestions  of  his  friends,  or  appoints  ignorant 
commanders,  or  adopts  unmilitary  plans  that  are 
certain  to  bring  defeat.     His  patronage  in  the  army, 
and  the  political  use  he  can  make  of  it,  tempt  him  to 
many  foolish  and  wicked  acts.     And  even  if  he  be  a 
true  patriot  like  Jefferson,  or  Madison,  he  is  almost 
sure  to  err  as  they  did.     Madison,  in  1812,  wished 
to  shut  up  our  ships  of  war,  in  port,  against  all  the 
remonstrances  of  their  brave  commanders.     In  that 
war,  success  was  gained  in  spite  of  the  administra- 


ItlrS  WESTTELD   SCOTT. 

tion.  The  triitli  is,  in  a  government  like  ours,  where 
the  Secretaries  of  War  and  Xavy  are  changed  almost 
every  foiu'  years,  and  those  imj^ortant  departments 
become  filled  with  men  from  the  civil  professions; 
who  are  necessarily  ignorant  of  the  duties  attached 
to  them,  they  should  both,  so  far  as  their  organiza 
tion  and  management  are  concerned,  be  placed 
under  the  control  of  their  respective  senior  com- 
manders. Public  opinion  should  demand  this  as  a 
settled  policy,  and  every  deviation  of  it  by  either 
party,  be  denounced  and  resisted.  This  political 
intermeddling  with  the  army  and  navy,  for  the  sake 
of  po]3ularity,  will  yet  be  visited  on  the  nation  with 
disgrace  and  defeat. 

Scott,  as  we  have  seen,  at  length  stood  at  the  base 
of  Chapultepec,  with  seven  thousand  men,  resolved  to 
carry  it  by  storm,  and  then  wheel  his  conquering 
battalions  full  on  the  capital,  and  beat  down  its  gates 
while  the  shouts  of  victory  were  still  carrying  terror 
and  dismay  into  the  ranks  of  the  enemy.  By  the 
1st  of  September  the  hill  had  been  boldly  and 
thoroughly  reconnoitred,  every  assailable  point  noted 
down,  and  the  route  of  the  assaulting  columns 
marked  out.  At  the  same  time,  to  deceive  the  ene- 
my, and  prevent  reinforcements  from  beins^  fluno; 
into  the  fortress,  he  ordered  Pillow,  Quitman,  and 
Twiggs,  to  advance  along  the  causeway  from  San 
Antonia,  and  open  their  fii-e  on  the  gates  of  the  city. 


CHAPULTEPEC.  149 

He  thus  kept  Santa  Anna  in  ignorance  of  his  real 
point  of  attack,  and  the  latter  at  once  concentrated  a 
large  force  in  the  city  to  resist  the  entrance  of  the  Ame- 
rican troops,  whose  standards  were  pointing  towards 
its  walls.  Consternation  and  dismay  reigned  amid 
the  crowded  population ;  the  streets  were  thronged 
with  teiTor-stricken  men  and  women,  who  sup- 
posed this  terrific  cannonading  was  but  the  prelude 
to  the  final  assault,  and  momentarily  expected  to 
hear  the  shouts  of  the  Americans  as  they  stormed 
over  their  defences. 

But  as  night  came  on,  Quitman  and  Pillow  with 
their  divisions,  stole  quietly  back  to  Tacubaya,  where 
Scott,  with  Worth's  division  had  established  his  head- 
quarters. 

BATTLE   OF   CHAPULTEPEC. 

All  was  bustle  and  preparation  at  the  base  of  Cha- 
pultepec.  Four  heavy  batteries  were  planted  in 
easy  range  of  the  fortress,  to  be  ready  by  daylight  to 
play  against  its  solid  sides  and  upon  its  frowning 
ramparts.  'No.  1,  commanded  by  Captain  Drum, 
was  placed  within  six  hundred  yards  of  the  castle. 
'No.  2,  under  Captain  Huger  took  position  a  little 
farther  off,  while  Nos.  3  and  4,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Brock,  Lieutenants  Anderson  and  Stone,  were  placed, 
the  former  half  way  between  Tacubaya  and  Molino 
del  Bey,  and  the  latter  near  the  mill  itself.     The 


150  WIN  FIELD   SCOTT. 

object  of  these  was  to  weaken  those  strong  de- 
fences and  open  np  some  accessible  avenues  to  the 
assaulting  columns.  By  daylight  tliey  were  all 
ready,  and  the  heavy  shot  of  the  first  gun  knocked 
loudly  on  the  portals  of  that  fortress  for  admission, 
and  called  the  astonished  garrison  to  their  pieces. 
In  a  few  moments  the  whole,  composed  of ,  eighteen 
and  twenty-four  pounders,  and  eight  inch  mortars, 
were  in  "  awful  activity,"  and  when  the  early  sun- 
beams gilded  the  splendid  dome  that  crowned  the 
height,  they  revealed  many  an  ugly  rent  and  ragged 
outline  in  the  massive  structure. 

Every  shot  could  be  traced  in  its  flight,  while  its 
heavy  concussion  sent  back  the  report  of  its  own  do- 
ings. Shells  rising  gracefully  out  of  the  smoke, 
swiftly  ascended  the  hill,  and  hovering  a  moment 
above  the  doomed  garrison,  dropped,  blazing  within. 
Fragments  of  wall  and  timber  hui'led  through  the  air, 
announced  that  its  work  was  accomplished.  The 
enemy  replied  with  all  his  heavy  artillery,  and  soon 
the  air  was  black  with  balls,  and  above  them  the 
heavens  ablaze  with  burning  shells.  At  the  same 
time,  Twiggs  was  thundering  away  at  the  gates  of 
the  city — explosion  answered  explosion,  till  the 
deafening  reverberations  were  sent  back  from  the 
distant  Cordilleras.  From  daylight  till  dark  the 
batteries  never  ceased  playing.  Since  the  army  left 
Yera  Cruz  there  had  been  no  such  opportunity  to 


THE    BOMBAEDMENT.  151 

exhibit  our  artillery  practice.  Tbe  way  those  heavy 
guns  were  handled  excited  the  admiration  of  the 
whole  army.  As  soon  as  the  distance  and  elevation 
were  accurately  gained,  scarcely  a  shot  was  thrown 
away.  Every  one  went  with  the  precision  of  a  rifle 
ball,  and  passed  through  and  through  the  walls, 
spreading  destruction  in  its  path.  Scarcely  a  shell 
wasted  its  force  in  the  air,  but  tore  up  the  ramparts 
as  it  dropped.  The  garrison,  except  those  necessary 
to  man  the  guns,  were  driven  from  the  works  by  this 
incessant  and  deadly  firing,  and  remained  outside, 
towards  the  city.  Here  they  stood  to  arms  all  day, 
ready  the  moment  the  firing  ceased  to  return  and  re- 
pel the  assault.  At  nightfall,  Scott  seeing  that  the 
fortress  was  severely  shaken,  prepared  to  storm  it 
in  the  morning.  That  was  a  busy  night,  and  but 
little  sleep  visited  either  officers  or  men,  and  by 
daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  13th  the  separate 
divisions  were  all  in  their  places.  Scott  had  resolved 
to  storm  the  heights  in  two  columns — ^one,  com- 
manded by  Pillow,  was  to  advance  on  the  west  side  ; 
the  other,  by  Quitman,  on  the  southeast,  each  preced- 
ed by  two  hundred  and  fi.fty  picked  men.  Worth's 
division  received  orders  to  act  as  a  reserve,  while 
Twiggs,  away  from  the  scene  of  action,  was  to  keep 
playing  on  the  gates  of  the  city,  and  thus  com]3el 
the  portion  of  the  enemy's  army  concentrated  there 
to  remain  on  the  defensive.     At  daylight  the  Ameri- 


152  WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

can  batteries  again  opened  their  fire,  and  again  the 
massive  columns  within  the  fortress  were  driven  out. 
It  was  known  throughout  the  army  that  the  cessa- 
tion of  the  cannonading  was  to  be  the  signal  of  as- 
sault. Every  ear  was  therefore  turned  to  catch  the 
first  lull  in  that  incessant  nproar,  and  every  heart 
beat  quicker  as  each  explosion  promised  to  be  the 
last.  But  as  hour  after  hour  passed  on,  and  the  bat- 
teries still  kept  thundering  on  the  heights,  the  im- 
patience of  officers  and  men  threatened  to  over-leap 
all  bounds. 

At  leno^th  Scott  sent  word  that  the  sis^nal  would 
soon  be  given,  and  at  nine  the  sudden  silence  of  the 
batteries  announced  that  the  hour  had  come.  "  For- 
ward," passed  through  the  ranks,  and  those  intrepid 
columns  began  the  ascent.  The  moment  they  were 
in  motion  the  batteries  again  opened,  and  canopied 
them  with  shots  and  shells,  that  went  before  to  open 
the  path  to  victory,  and  keep  back  the  reinforce- 
ments without.  Pillow's  column  entered  the  forest, 
which  was  in  a  blaze  from  the  sharpshooters  that 
filled  it,  and  sweeping  it  of  the  enemy,  emerged 
on  to  the  open  ground,  and  under  a  rocky  height. 
Here  Pillow  fell,  and  the  command  devolved  on 
the  brave  Cadwallader,  who  shouted  "forward"  to 
that  eager  column,  and  it  streamed  up  the  rock, 
taking  the  destructive  volleys  that  thinned  their 
ranks,  without  flinching.     Half  way  between  it  and 


THE    ASSAULT.  153 

the  castle  avails  stood  a  strong  redoubt,  wliose  bat- 
teries played  with  deadly  effect  on  its  uncovered 
head.  The  ground  that  intervened  was  broken  by 
chasms  and  rocks,  over  which  the  trooj)s  slowly 
made  their  difficult  way,  firing  as  they  went.  The 
rapid  and  fatal  volleys  of  the  two  hundred  and  fifty 
men  that  moved  in  advance,  swept  everything 
down,  and  onward  firmly  and  irresistibly  crept  the 
column.  Reaching  the  redoubt  in  which  mines  had 
been  placed  to  blow  up  the  victors,  they  carried  it  in 
one  swift  and  terrible  charge.  So  sudden  and  rapid 
was  the  onset,  and  so  complete  the  overthrow,  that 
the  enemy  had  no  time  to  fire  his  mines,  and  those 
who  attempted  it  were  shot  down.  ''There  was 
death  below  as  well  as  above  ground,"  but  nothing 
could  resist  the  progress  of  that  heroic  column.  Leav- 
ing that  redoubt  behind,  it  marched  straight  on  the 
walls  of  the  castle.  Scott  watched  its  advance  through 
fire  and  smoke,  with  an  anxious  heart,  till  it  at  length 
reached  the  ditch.  The  spectacle  it  presented  at  this 
moment  aroused  all  the  latent  fire  of  his  nature. 
Halting  a  moment  till  the  ditch  could  be  filled  with 
fascines,  and  the  scaling  ladders  applied  to  the  walls, 
it  sternly  stood,  and  melted  away  under  the  fire  of 
the  enemy.  At  length  the  chasm  was  bridged  when 
the  troops  streamed  over  with  shouts,  and  in  a  mo- 
ment the  ladders  were  bending  under  the  weight  of 
those  who  seemed  eager  to  be  the  first  in  the  portals  of 


154  WrSTIELD   SCOTT. 

death.  Pierced  with  balls  or  bayonets,  the  leaders 
fell  back  dead  uxDon  their  comrades,  but  nothing 
could  check  the  ardor  of  those  that  followed  after. 
.Bearing  back  bj  main  force  those  that  opposed 
their  ascent,  they  climbed  to  the  top,  made  a  lodg- 
ment, and  sent  up  a  thrilling  shout.  "  Streams  of 
heroes  followed,"  sweeping  like  a  sudden  inundation 
over  the  walls.  Cheer  after  cheer  arose  from  the 
ramparts  ;  flag  after  flag  was  flung  out  from  the  up- 
per walls,  carrying  "  dismay  into  the  capital." 

Quitman,  in  the  meantime,  had  made  his  way  to 
the  southeast  walls,  but  being  compelled  to  advance 
along  a  causeway,  defended  by  artillery  and  in- 
fantry, he  was  delayed  in  carrying  them  till  the 
routed  enemy  above  came  on  him  in  crowds.  The 
troops  turned  on  those  with  relentless  fury.  Re- 
membering their  brave  comrades  at  Molino  del  Rey, 
to  whom  no  quarter  was  given,  they  mowed  the 
Mexicans  down  without  mercy.  The  New  York, 
South  Carolina,  and  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  how- 
ever, by  crossing  a  meadow,  under  a  tremendous 
fire,  and  mounting  swiftly  to  the  castle,  were  in  time 
for  the  assault.  A  detachment  of  'New  York  volun-" 
teers,  under  Lieutenant  Ried,  and  another  of  2d  in- 
fantry, led  by  Lieutenant  Steele,  were  foremost  on  the 
ramparts.  The  former,  cheering  his  men  on,  was 
the  first  to  scale  the  heights  and  the  wall.  He  was 
at  length  wounded,  but  refusing  to  retire,  limped  on 


HIS   HIJMAJs^ITY.  155 

his  way,  advancing  still  higher  and  higher  towards 
the  Mexican  banner  that  waved  above  him.  At 
length  he  reached  it,  and  tearing  it  down  with  his 
own  hands,  fainted  beside  it.  It  was  gallantly, 
nobly  done. 

The  spectacle  presented  to  Scott  as  he  turned  with 
his  staff  to  ascend  the  hill  filled  his  heart  with  joy 
and  exultation.  Those  walls  and  ramparts  which  a 
few  hours  before  bristled  with  the  enemy's  cannon, 
were  now  black  with  men,  and  fluttering  with  colors 
of  his  own  regiments,  while  a  perfect  storm  of  hur- 
rahs, and  cheers  rolled  towards  heaven.  As  he  passed 
up  he  saw  his  troops  shooting  down  the  helpless  fu- 
gitives without  mercy.  He  could  not  blame  them, 
for  he  knew  they  were  avenging  the  death  of  their 
brave  comrades,  to  whom  no  mercy  was  shown  at 
Molino  del  Key,  but  unable  to  endure  the  inhuman 
spectacle,  he  rode  up  to  the  excited  troops,  and  ex- 
claimed, "  Soldiers,  deeds  like  yours  are  recorded  in 
history.  Be  humane  and  generous^  my  hoys^  as  you 
are  mctorious^  and  I  will  get  doion  on  my  hended 
knees  to  God  for  you^  to-night. "^^  Koble  and  elo- 
quent words,  which  immediately  found  a  response 
in  those  brave  hearts.  Mercy  blended  with  strength 
is  ever  beautiful. 

As  he  reined  up  on  the  summit  in  the  view  of  all, 
the  very  hill  shook  under  their  acclamations.  It 
was  a  time  for  exultation  to  him,  and  he  shared  in 


166  WINFTELD   SCOTT. 

the  high  enthusiasm  of  his  troops.  He  had  conquer- 
ed— the  day  begun  in  anxiety  was  ending  in  gloiy. 
The  capital  was  at  his  mercy,  and  as  he  stood  on 
the  top  of  that  castle  and  looked  off  on  the  domes 
and  towers  of  the  city  crowded  with  spectators,  and 
down  on  the  fugitive  army  fleeing  towards  its  walls 
for  shelter,  he  resolved  at  once  to  march  on  the  gates 
and  carry  them  by  storm.  Two  causeways  starting 
from  the  base  of  the  hill,  diverged  as  they  crossed 
the  marsh,  and  again  contracted  in  approaching  the 
city.  Over  these  the  Mexican  host  was  streaming, 
infantry  and  artillery  in  wild  confusion,  pressed  hard 
after  by  Worth  and  Quitman.  But  arches  and  gate- 
w^ays  occurring  at  intervals,  presented  jDoints  for 
making  vigorous  stands  against  their  advance,  so 
that  the  battle  had  only  rolled  down  the  hill — ■ 
not  ended. 

Behind  these,  the  Mexicans  again  and  again  ral- 
lied and  fought  bravely.  Fighting  under  the  walls 
of  their  capital,  they  struggled  desperately  to  save 
it  from  becoming  the  spoil  of  the  yictor.  Worth 
pressed  fiercely  against  the  column  before  him, 
toward  the  San  Cosmo  gate,  while  Quitman  was 
forcing  his  way  along  the  San  Belen  aqueduct. 
To  a  spectator  from  the  top  of  Chapulte]3ec,  tlie 
scene  below  at  this  time  was  indescribably  fearful. 
Tlie  Americans  appeared  like  a  mere  handful  amid 
the  vast  crowds  that  darkened   the   causeways  in 


STOIi:.nNG    TIffi    CITY.  157 

front  of  tliem.  But  tlie  clouds  of  smoke  tliat  ^rrapped 
tlie  head  of  eacli  column  and  tlie  incessant  explo- 
sions of  cannon,  revealed  where  tlie  American  artil- 
lery was  sternly  mowing  a  path  through  the  swaying 
masses  for  the  victorious  troops  behind.     The  living 
parapets  were  constantly  falling  along  the  edges  of 
tliose  causeways,  while  the  shouts  and  yells  of  the 
struggling  thousands  rose  up  from  the  mingled  din 
and  crash  of  arms  like  the  cries  of  a  drowning  mul- 
titude, heard   amid  the  roar  of  the   storm.     Scott 
surveyed  at   a  glance  this   wild  scene  and  seeing 
what  tremendous  odds  his  brave  troops  below  were 
contending   against,  hurried   up    reinforcements  to  • 
their  help.     Officers  were   seen   swiftly  galloping 
from   division   to  division,  and   soon   Clarke's  and 
Cadwallader's  brigades    moved  rapidly   over    one 
causeway  to  the  help  of  Worth,  while  that  of  Pierce 
took  the  other,  on  which  Quitman  was  struggling. 
Crushing  every  obstacle  in  their  path,  those  columns 
slowly,  but  steadily  advanced.     As  they  came  near 
the  city  where  the  causeways  again  approached  each 
other,  "Worth  sent  an  aid-de-camp  to  Scott,  beggiiig 
that  Quitman  might  cease  firing  on  the  Belen  gate, 
and  turn  his  artillery  on  the  column  he  was  pushing 
before  him.     A  few  raking  discharges  on  its  flank, 
would  have  rent  it  into  fra2:ments.     Scott  knowino- 
that  the  San  Cosmo  gate  presented  the  weakest  de- 
fences, had  determined  to  enter  by  it,  and  sent  word 
9 


158  "WIXFIKLD    SCOTT. 

again  and  again  to  Quitman  to  emj^loy  the  enf^my, 
rather  than  attempt  to  force  tlie  Belen  gate.  But 
that  braA'e  officer  had  remained  in  idleness  at  San 
Angustine  long  enough,  while  the  rest  of  the  army 
was  covering  itself  with  laurels.  The  opportunity 
given  him  in  the  morning  was  bereft  of  half  its 
value  by  the  necessary  delay  of  his  column,  till  the 
castle  was  carried ;  and  he  was  resolved  that  he  would 
not  be  second  in  that  last  crowning  battle.  "Worth's 
victorious  division  should  not  open  the  gates  for 
him  from  within,  and  through  the  deadly  fires  that 
smote  him  both  from  front  and  flank  batteries,  over 
every  obstacle  that  opposed  his  progress,  he  still  urged 
on  his  bleeding  column  till  the  gate  was  reached, 
when  the  gallant  rifles  dashed  forward  with  a  loud 
shout  and  carried  it.  The  entrance  was  won  and 
Quitman  stood  within  the  city.  Here  he  stubbornly 
maintained  his  position  from  2  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon till  night,  under  a  galling  fire  from  the  guns  of 
the  citadel.  Defences  were  thrown  up  to  shelter 
his  valiant  corps  as  much  as  j)Ossible  from  it,  and  he 
waited  patiently  till  daylight  should  ajipear.  lie 
had  lost  some  of  his  best  troops,  and  among  them 
those  noble  officers.  Captain  Drum,  and  Lieutenant 
Benjamin. 

"Worth,  in  the  meantime,  had  advanced  steadily 
tou'ards  the  San  Cosmo  gate.  Scott,  after  having 
seen  to  the  prisoners  of  war  and  the  wounded,  has- 
tened down  the  hill  of  Chapultepec  and  joined  him 


QUITISIAIT    WITHIN.  159 

in  tlie  hottest  of  the  fire.  Here,  -wliile  in  tlie  act  of 
handing  an  order  to  an  officer,  the  horse  of  the  lat- 
ter was  shot  by  his  side.  After  giving  directions  to 
"Worth,  he  returned  to  the  foot  of  Chapultepec,  and 
taking  his  station  where  the  two  causeways  parted, 
directed  the  movements  of  both  columns  and  sent 
forward  help  where  it  was  most  needed.  By 
8  o'clock,  Worth  was  in  the  suburbs,  and  there, 
around  two  batteries  which  he  had  carried,  rested 
his  exhausted  troops  for  the  night. 

Another  night  had  come,  giving  repose  to  the 
weary  soldier.  Tlie  tumult  and  carnage  of  the  day 
had  ceased,  and  silence  rested  on  the  city,  and  our 
army  under  its  w^alls.  Quitman's  troops  sleeping  in 
heaps  under  the  arches  of  the  causeway,  and  Worth's 
by  the  San  Cosmo  gate,  presented  a  striking  contrast 
to  these  same  soldiers  a  few  hours  before.  What  a 
day's  march  that  army  had  made,  and  what  a  track 
it  had  left  behind  it.  Two  paths,  lined  with  the 
dead,  marked  its  passage  up  the  slippery  heights  of 
Chapultepec — scattered  masses  of  the  slain  showed 
where  the  tumultuous  flight  and  headlong  pursuit 
had  swept  like  a  loosened  flood  do^vn  the  slope,  while 
the  two  causeways  shattered  and  blackened,  and 
streaked  with  blood,  revealed  the  course  its  fiery 
footsteps  had  last  taken  in  the  road  to  victory. 
Nearly  nine  hundred  of  the  Americans  had  been 
killed  or  wounded,  while  the  Mexican  dead  lay  in 
uncounted  heaps  on  every  side. 


160  "VVIXriELD   SCOTT. 

It  was  an  evening  of  rejoicing  in  that  victo- 
rious armv,  but  hundreds  were  vrrithing  in  suffer- 
ing, and  many  a  gallant  spirit  that  at  morning  had 
seen  glory  and  promotion  before  it,  was  now  swiftly 
passing  to  that  still  land,  where  warrior  and  war- 
horse  are  seen  no  more.  To  them  the  joy  and  en- 
thusiasm on  every  side,  added  but  more  sorrowful 
regrets  for  all  they  had  lost.  Through  so  many 
perils  they  had  moved  in  safety,  to  sink  at  last  at 
the  end  of  the  race.  Oh,  how  earthly  glory  fades 
at  such  a  moment.  Leaving  aside  the  freezing  spec- 
tacle of  heaps  of  mutilated  corpces — the  ghastly 
wounds  and  moans  of  the  sufferers,  if  those  who 
slowly  die  after  the  battle  is  over,  and  its  excite- 
ment has  passed  away,  could  tell  us  all  their  mental 
suffering — ^l:)reathe  into  our  ear  their  extinguished 
hopes — ■their  vanished  dreams  of  glory — let  us  see  the 
inward  scalding  tears  that  drop  over  the  absent  loved 
and  lost  for  ever — the  sudden  waking  of  conscience 
to  a  squandered  life,  and  the  anxious  piercing  glance 
into  the  dark  unknown,  whose  shadows  are  slowly 
closing  round  the  spirit,  war  would  seem  the  saddest 
thing  on  earth.  It  is  a  blot  on  the  race,  and  its  evils 
cannot  be  magnified.  But  these  evils,  great  as  they 
are,  do  not  lessen  its  necessity.  AVliile  the  world  is 
governed  by  physical  power,  truth  and  justice  will 
be  compelled  to  resort  to  the  sword  to  maintain  their 
rights,  aye,  to  defend  their  very  existence.     Besides, 


REFUSES   TEKMS   TO   SANTA    ANNA. 


161 


death  is  the  same,  whether  it  comes  on  the  hattle-iiekl, 
or  sinking  wreck,  or  amid  the  storm,  or  earthquake. 
A  course  of  action  is  to  be  judged,  not  by  the  suffering 
attending  it,  but  by  the  principles  which  govern  and 
control  it.  That  the  Mexican  war  was  forced  on  the 
country,  without  sufficient  provocation,  and  secured 
nothing  in  comparison  to  the  sacrifice  it  cost,  few 
wdll  doubt.  The  opinion  of  the  w^orld  may  be 
swayed,  but  the  authors  of  that  war  will  have  a  dif- 
ficult task  to  sway  the  calm  verdict  of  eternal  truth 
and  justice. 

Many  officers  in  the  army,  and  the  noble  Com- 
mander-in-chief himself,  felt  the  want  of  that  support 
which  the  consciousness  of  a  good  cause  gives  to  the 
true  soldier. 

"  Thrice  is  he  armed  that  hath  his  quarrel  just." 

The  morning  of  the  llth  of  September  had  not  yet 
fully  dawned  when  the  army  was  in  motion.  A 
deputation  from  the  city  council  in  the  mean  time 
waited  on  the  Commander-in-chief,  announcing  that 
Santa  Anna,  with  the  remnant  of  his  army,  had  fled 
the  city,  and  demanded  "terms  of  capitulation  in 
favor  of  the  church,  city,  and  the  municipal  autho- 
rities." Scott  refused  to  grant  any  terms ;  the  city 
was  in  his  power;  he  was  resolved  to  enter  it  sword 
in  hand,  and  plant  his  triumphant  banner  on  its  walls 
by  the  right  of  conquest  alone. 


102  WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

Santa  Anna,  seeing  tbat  the  capital  was  lost,  had 
Bent  to  him  the  night  before,  asking  what  terms  he 
required.  The  latter  curtlj  replied,  that  he  had  no 
answer  to  give,  and  no  questions  to  ask. 

Slowly  and  cautiously,  to  guard  against  treachery, 
the  columns  proceeded  in  the  early  dawn  towards  the 
great  public  square.  Qaitman's  division  first  ap- 
proached it,  and  his  troops,  rushing  with  shouts  upon 
it,  hoisted  their  flag  on  the  walls  of  the  National 
Palace.  Worth's  division  followed,  and  that  little 
army  of  six  thousand  men  stood  in  the  heart  of  the 
capital,  w^hile  long  and  deafening  shouts  proclaimed 
the  joy  of  the  conquerors.  About  nine  o'clock  a 
sudden  bustle  was  seen  in  one  corner  of  the  square 
to  which  one  of  the  streets  led,  and  the  next  moment 
a  long,  loud  hurrah  broke  forth.  The  troops  had 
caught  sight  of  the  waving  plumes  and  towering  form 
of  their  Commander,  slowly  advancing  in  the  midst  of 
a  body  of  cavalry.  As  he  entered  the  plaza,  the  whole 
army  shouted  as  one  man.  Again  and  again  that 
loud,  frenzied  hurrah  swelled  over  the  city,  and  swords 
flashed  in  the  air,  and  caps  waved,  and  drums  rolled. 
It  was  a  wild,  enthusiastic  welcome,  worthy  of  their 
chief,  and  his  eye  kindled  w^ith  emotion. 

In  a  short  time,  however,  a  heavy  volley  of  musketry 
was  poured  into  the  troops,  dropping  men  who  had 
passed  unscathed  the  carnage  of  the  day  before. 
Some  two   thousand  liberated   convicts   had   armed 


THE   AKIIY   IX   THE   CAPITAL.  103 

themselves,  and  with  as  many  soldiers,  commenced 
firin.  oa  the  Americans  from  the  flat  roofs  of  the 
houses,  from  the  windows,  and  the  corners  of  the 
streets.  Garland  was  wounded  in  endeavoring  to 
disperse  the  assailants,  and  it  was  not  till  after  twenty- 
four  hours  of  toil  that  these  miscreants  were  at  length 
caiio-lit  or  scattered. 

Tranquillity  being  restored,  Scott  levied  a  contribu- 
tion on  the  city,  and  organized  a  temporary  govern- 
ment   His  army  of  six  thousand  men  appeared  a  mere 
handful  in  that  spacious  square,  where  Santa  Anna, 
a  few  hours  before,  had  mancBuvred  thirty  thousand. 
But  there  was  a  grandeur  about  it  as  it  stood  up  in  the 
heart  of  that  great  city,  surronnded  with  the  memories 
of  so  many  victories,  and  presenting  in  itself  the  em- 
hodiment  of  so  much  power.    That  vast  population 
Bright  apparently  rush  upon  it  and  crash  it  by  the 
mere  weight  of  their  masses,  yet  there  it  stood,  awing 
all  by  the  terror  of  its  name.    The  Mexicans  gazed 
upon  it  in  amazement.     Since  its  conquering  feet  had 
been  placed  on  their  territory,  it  had  taken  twelve 
thousand  prisoners,  killed  and  wounded  nearly  ten 
thousand  men,   and   captured  colors  and  standards 
innumerable,  together  with  more  than  seven  hundred 
pieces  of  artillery,  more  than  thirty  thousand  small 
arms,  and  shot  and  shells  and  munitions  of  war  with- 
out end.     In  its  very  last  onset  it  had  trampled  under 
foot  thirty  thousand  men,  defended  by  castle  walls. 


1G4  "WJNFILLD    SCO  IT. 

intrencliments,  and  heavy  artillerj.  Scoffing  at  num- 
bers, deiVino;  obstacles,  it  had  moved  on  its  victorious 
course  with  resistless  power.  Keduced  it  indeed  was, 
but  its  adamantine  columns  stood  firm  as  ever.  The 
mere  mention  of  the  numbers  captured  and  slain  and 
wounded  by  it  astounds  one.  The  bare  statistics 
sound  like  the  fabulous  deeds  of  some  hero  of  romance. 
Xever  had  so  small  an  army  so  much  glory  to  divide 
amono;  its  numbers.  Proud  of  their  renown  and  their 
leader's  praise,  they  cheerfully  obeyed  his  commands, 
and  abstained  from  all  those  acts  of  violence  and 
oppression  which  a  concpering  army  in  the  heart  of  a 
city  that  has  cost  it  such  a  sacrifice,  feels  it  has  a 
right  to  commit.  Property  and  life  w^ere  protected, 
and  the  inhabitants  settled  down  into  a  feeling  of 
security  and  peace,  to  which,  under  their  own  rulers, 
they  had  for  years  been  strangei^.  The  humblest 
individual  could  come  to  General  Scott  with  his 
complaint,  sure  of  receiving  justice  and  protection. 
That  army,  whose  name  had  carried  terror  into  all 
hearts,  was  soon  looked  upon  as  the  guarantee  of 
their  rights  and  the  enjoyment  of  their  social  bless- 
inors.  The  Mexicans  could  not  understand  how  such 
ferocious  men  in  battle,  such  fire-eaters  when  raging 
amid  their  foes,  could  be  so  quiet  in  their  deportment, 
BO  kind  in  their  ways,  and  generous  in  their  conduct. 
Scott,  whose  name  had  never  been  uttered  without  a 
bhudder  of  fear,  was  beloved  as  their  bebt  protector 


AS    A    RULEK.  165 

and  friend,  and  tbey  sat  down  under  his  mild  but 
firm  sway  in  perfect  contentment. 

But  in  tlie  midst  of  liis  duties,  on  the  very  theatre 
of  his  exploits,  surrounded  by  the  battle-fields  where 
he  had  ever  been  victorious,  he  w^as  dragged  before 
a  court  of  inquiry  to  answer  groundless  charges  pre- 
ferred against  him.  ISTay,  his  command  w^as  taken 
from  him  and  given  to  another. 

We  have  seen  that  from  the  commencement  of 
the  war  the  administration  had  heaped  blunder  on 
blunder,  as  if  on  purpose  to  keep  up  a  contrast  be- 
tween itself  and  the  army,  and  thus  let  the  latter 
have  all  the  glory.  Tlie  very  efforts  to  injure  Scott 
had  turned  out  blunders  ;  they  had  reacted  like 
"  curses  that  come  home  to  roost."  It  had,  therefore, 
resolved  on  open  attack ;  the  veteran  of  threescore, 
covered  with  laurels  should  be  disgraced,  and  tried  as 
a  criminal  on  the  very  spot  w'here  he  had  triumphed. 
The  Mexicans  could  not  understand  this.  There  was 
a  cold-blooded  hatred  about  it  that  seemed  in  their 
eyes  to  foretell  his  certain  ruin.  Yery  pirobably  it 
w^as  this  that  induced  them  to  believe  he  might  be 
23ersuaded  to  remain  in  their  midst,  and  prompted 
the  ofi'er  of  the  presidency  wath  a  salary  of  two  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars  per  annum.  The  army  seemed 
to  worship  him,  and  they  had  no  doubt  would 
cheerfully  share  his  fortunes. 

The  troops  were  indignant  at  the  treatment  of 


166  WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

tlieir  commander,  and  hailed  liim  ^vitli  shouts  when- 
ever he  appeared.  One  day  they  marched  in  front 
of  the  house  he  occupied,  and  would  not  be  satisfied 
until  he  appeared  on  the  balcony.  The  cheering 
that  followed  convinced  the  Mexican  authorities 
that  Scott  had  issued  a  pronunciamento,  and  they 
called  u]3on  him  to  ascertain  the  fiict,  and  treat  at 
once  with  him  instead  of  the  United  States  govern- 
ment. He,  however,  undeceived  them ;  told  them 
the  Americans  were  law-abiding  men;  that  the 
president  was  commander-in-chief  of  the  whole 
army,  and  the  commanding-general  was  therefore 
bound  to  obey  his  orders. 

They  went  away  disappointed  and  puzzled.  How 
a  man,  apparently  disgraced  by  his  government, 
could  so  quietly  submit,  when  he  evidently  had 
power  to  do  otherwise,  was  so  contrary  to  the  course 
their  own  commanders  pursued,  that  they  could  not 
comprehend  it. 

It  was  with  a  sad  heart  Scott  took  leave  of  that 
gallant  army,  in  whose  midst  he  had  marched  to  so 
many  victories.  A  common  danger,  common  toils, 
and  hardships,  had  endeared  them  to  him.  Their 
unbounded  devotion  to  his  person,  and  the  bravery 
and  daring  with  which  they  had  fulfilled  all  his 
orders ;  tlieir  ^^atience  under  privations,  humanity 
in  the  hour  of  victory,  and  peaceful  obedience  in  the 
heart  of  a  great  city,  around  whose  walls  tliey  had 


AEKIVES    IN    NEW    YOKK.  167 

shed  tlieir  blood,  had  bound  them  to  him  by  a  tie 
strong  and  tender. 

It  was  a  rutliless  blow  that  severed  it.  But  the 
deed  was  done,  and  the  Mthful  servant  of  his 
country,  the  peerless  chieftain,  shorn  of  his  com- 
mand, turned  his  footstepa  homeward.  And  when, 
from  the  summit  of  the  Cordilleras,  where  a  few 
weeks  before  he  gazed  down  on  the  plains  below,  he 
turned  to  take  a  farewell  look  of  the  fields  of  his 
fame,  sad,  bitter  thoughts  mingled  with  glorious  re- 
membrance. 

Through  the  cities  which  he  had  conquered,  down 
the  steeps  of  Cerro  Gordo,  still  blackened  with  the 
smoke  of  his  cannon,  he  continued  his  way,  and  at 
last  entered  Yera  Cruz,  more  as  a  prisoner  than  a 
conqueror.  Here  a  large  and  commodious  vessel, 
direct  for  Xew  Orleans,  was  offered  him.  But  with 
that  magnanimity  and  self-forgetfulness,  which  have 
always  characterized  him,  he  refused,  saying,  "  Xo, 
my  soldiers  will  soon  be  here  and  will  need  it,"  and 
taking  a  brig  he  set  sail  for  ^N'ew  York.  Tlie  vessel 
w^as  crowded  with  sick  and  disabled  men,  and  worn 
down  by  the  incessant  fatigue  of  the  past  six  months, 
he  himself  was  soon  attacked  by  a  disease  that  well 
nigh  carried  him  to  his  grave.  Weary  and  sick,  he 
at  length  reached  the  harbor  of  Xew  York,  and  with- 
out stopping  to  receive  the  congratulations  of  the 
city,  passed  on  to  his  residence  in  Elizabethtown. 


168  AVIXIIELD    SCOTT. 

This  sliuuuing  the  presence  of  his  coimtiymenj  as 
though  he  sus^^ected  them  of  sharing  the  feelings  of 
the  administration,  cut  them  to  the  heart,  and  they  re- 
solved to  give  him  a  manifestation  of  their  love,  which 
could  not  he  misunderstood.  A  day  was  appointed' 
for  a  puhlic  reception  in  jS'ew  York,  so  that  the  peo- 
ple could  render  their  verdict  on  his  conduct.  He 
landed  amid  salvos  of  artillery,  and  escorted  hy  the 
entire  military  force  of  the  city,  passed  through  its 
principal  streets.  The  public  buildings  were  deco- 
rated with  flags — every  window  was  crowded  with 
spectators  waving  their  handkerchiefs,  and  the  streets 
from  limit  to  limit  thronged  with  the  tens  of  thous- 
ands who  strove  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  man  who 
had  wrought  such  wonders,  and  covered  his  country's 
flag  with  such  unfading  glory.  As  he  rode  slowly 
along  a  shout  that  shook  the  city  arose  around  him. 
The  people  were  speaking.  Party  feeling  was  for- 
gotten, and  the  animosities  of  factions  were  buried 
under  the  boundless  enthusiasm  that  burst  forth  on 
every  side.  The  hero  had  been  brought  home  to  be 
disgraced,  and  the  j^eople  were  crowning  him.  His 
gallant  heart  was  to  be  irritated  and  annoyed  by 
petty  accusations  and  fault-findings,  and  lo  the 
thundering  shout  of  "  All  Hail  to  the  Chief,"  that 
rolled  over  the  land,  frightened  his  persecutors  from 
their  cowardly  purpose.  Haman,  was  that  day 
doomed  to  witness  the  triumj)h  of  t]ie  man  he  had 


HIS    CHARACTEK.  1G9 

doomed  to  infamy,  and  hang  on  the  gallows  he  had 
reared  for  another.  The  heart  of  this  republic  is 
sonnd,  whatever  its  judgment  may  be. 

General  Scott  is  now  the  Whig  candidate  for  the 
Presidency. 

The  most  striking  points  of  General  Scott's  char- 
acter stand  out  in  bold  relief.  In  so  long  and  event- 
ful a  career,  a  man's  character  cannot  be  concealed. 
His  actions  reveal  it.  Probably  a  more  fearless  man 
never  lived.  Like  Bonaparte,  he  may  be  irritated 
and  disturbed  by  trifles,but  danger  always  tranquilizes 
him.  Those  wdio  have  been  w^ith  him  most,  say  that 
in  the  moment  of  greatest  peril,  his  lip  wears  its 
serenest  expression.  It  is  in  the  thunder  crash  of 
battle,  and  when  the  brave  battalions  are  linked  in 
deadliest  combat  that  his  heart  beats  calmest.  It  is 
a  little  singular  that  the  greatest  warriors  (not  merely 
desperate  fighters,  but  men  fit  to  be  leaders  of 
armies)  have  been  distinguished  for  more  than 
ordinary  humanity,  and  tenderness  of  feeling. 

Murat,  whose  natural  element  seemed  the  smoke 
and  carnage  of  battle,  never  drew  his  sword  in  com- 
bat, lest  he  should  slay  some  one.  IS'ey,  who  moved 
amid  death  like  one  above  its  power,  was  as  simple 
and  tender  as  a  child.  The  same  is  true  of  Scott. 
The  sick  and  the  distressed  have  not  merely  command- 
ed his  sympathy  but  he  has  again  and  again  risked 
his  life  to  succor  them,  ^tern,  nay,  almost  tyrannical, 


170  WINFIELD    SCOTT. 

as  a  disciplinarian,  Lis  lieart  as  a  man  is  filled  with  all 
generous  emotions.  He  was  in  Xew  York  at  the  time 
of  the  Astor  Place  riot,  and  within  hearing  of  the  fir- 
ing. As  his  ]3racticed  ear  caught  the  regular  volleys  of 
the  soldiers,  he  wrung  his  hands  and  walked  the  room 
in  an  agony  of  excitement,  exclaiming,  "  they  are 
firing  volleys^  they  are  shooting  down  citizens.''^ — 
What  an  apj^arentlj  strange  contradiction.  This 
man,  whose  nerves  seemed  made  of  iron  in  battle 
and  who  had  galloped  with  the  joy  of  the  war- 
rior for  hours,  amid  a  hail-storm  of  bullets,  could  not 
control  his  feeling  when  he  knew  the  blood  of 
American  citizens  was  flowing  in  the  streets  of  Xew 
Tork.  But  in  the  one  case  he  acted  as  a  commander 
whose  business  it  was  to  conquer;  while  here  he  was 
a  man  feeling  for  his  fellow  man.  That  burst  of  feel- 
ing did  him  more  honor  than  the  greatest  victory  he 
ever  gained. 

Scott  is  also  distinguished  for  great  tenacity  of 
purpose.  "What  he  has  once  resolved  upon,  he  can- 
not relinquish.  As  he  said,  he  never  puts  one  foot 
forward  without  designing  to  bring  the  other  up  to 
it.  The  desperate  manner  in  which  he  clung  to  the 
height  at  Lundy's  Lane — charging  like  fire,  when, 
but  a  quarter  of  his  brigade  was  left,  and  crying 
out,  as  mangled  and  bleeding,  he  was  borne  from 
the  field,  "  Charge  agahi^'^  reveal  a  strength  and 
firmness  of  will,  that  no  earthly  power  can  shake. 


HIS    CIIARACTEE.  lYl 

Sucli  a  man  is  liard  to  beat.  As  a  military  cliieftain, 
lie  probably  lias  no  superior,  if  equal,  in  tlie  world. 
Place  a  limidred  and  fifty  thousand  American  troops, 
drilled  under  his  own  supervision,  in  his  hands,  and 
the  miracles  of  l^apoleon  would  be  wrouglit  over 
again.  He  possesses  all  the  qualities  necessary 
to  make  a  great  commander.  Courage,  coolness  in 
the  hour  of  danger,  fertility  of  resources,  extensive 
yet  rapid  combination,  the  power  of  covering  a  vast 
field  @f  operations,  yet  losing  none  of  its  details,  per- 
fect control  over  his  troops,  tireless  energy,  and  great 
humanity,  combine  in  him,  as  they  are  rarely  found 
in  any  man.  Success  cannot  intoxicate  him,  nor  de- 
feat enervate  him.  Tempted  by  no  sudden  stroke  of 
good  fortune  into  rashness,  he  cannot  be  made  listless 
by  disappointment.  A  less  nicely  balanced  character 
would  never  have  carried  us  safely  through  the  diffi- 
culties on  our  northern  frontier. 

His  life  is  singularly  clear  of  moral  blemishes. 
Xoble  and  confiding,  he  has  often  been  wronged,  yet 
he  never  could  be  forced  into  low  retaliation  or  soured 
into  distrust  of  his  fellow-man.  While  in  Mexico,  a 
friend  warned  him  against  an  officer,  whom  he  sus- 
pected of  being  an  enemy  in  disguise.  "  I  cannot 
help  it,"  said  the  General.  "  It  has  all  my  life  been 
a  positive  luxury  to  me  to  confide  in  my  fellow-man, 
and  rather  than  give  it  up,  I  should  prefer  being 
stabbed  under  the  fifth  rib  daily."     The  temptations 


172  AVIXriELD   SCOTT. 

which  suiTOund  elevation  to  rank  and  power  have 
never  corrupted  him  ;  and  he  is,  at  this  day,  as  firm 
a  friend  of  religion,  temperance,  and  all  the  moral 
virtues,  as  though  his  life  had  been  devoted  solely  to 
their  inculcation.  It  is  rare  to  see  a  long  and  public 
career  so  unstained  by  any  vice. 

The  most  severe  and  fiery  trial  to  which  a  man  in 
this  country  can  be  subjected,  is  to  be  a  candidate 
for  the  highest  office  in  the  republic.  Yet  from 
even  this,  w-hether  successful  or  unsuccessful,  he  will 
come  out  unscathed.  Xot  a  charge  that  could  aff'ect 
the  love  and  confidence  of  his  countrymen  will  be 
fastened  on  him.  The  only  two  accusations  made 
against  him  worthy  of  notice  are,  that  he  is  dicta- 
toral,  and  vain ;  and  particular,  and  exacting  about 
mere  trifles.  A  dictatorial  manner  is  almost  inevi- 
tably attached  to  one  who  has  always  been  accus- 
tomed to  command.  If  self-conceit  in  him  amounts 
to  a  fault,  that  fault  never  had  a  better  or  more  sat- 
isfactory excuse.  The  latter  defect,  as  it  is  termed, 
on  which  so  many  chano:es  have  been  runo^,  is  one  of 
the  most  valuable  elements  in  his  character.  It  is 
the  importance  he  places  on  details  that  makes  his 
army  so  complete  in  all  its  departments  and  so  like 
a  single  instrument  in  his  hand.  Knowing  every- 
thing from  the  greatest  to  the  least,  he  is  acquainted 
with  all  his  resources,  and  hence  does  not  attempt 
what  he  cannot  carry  out. 


HIS    CIIARACTEK.  173 

It  was  liis  habit  in  Mexico  to  reqiTire  tlie  attend- 
ance of  tlie  cliiefs  of  every  depciHment^  every  even- 
ing at  his  quarters,  where  he  interrogated  and  con- 
versed about  their  individual  matters.  From  the 
quartermaster,  he  learned  everything  relating  to 
hospitals,  quarters,  forage,  trains,  horses,  pack  mules, 
moneys  in  hand  for  future  use,  &c.  &c. ;  from  the 
commissary,  he  found  out  the  resources  of  the  coun- 
try for  provisions,  the  quantity  in  store,  the  means 
of  transportation,  the  expectations  beyond,  as  the 
country  developed  itself;  from  the  medical  chief  he 
invariably  knew  of  the  health  of  the  command,  of 
the  wounded,  of  the  number  of  deaths,  of  the  sup- 
ply of  medicines,  and  the  due  attendance  of  a  suffi- 
cient corps  of  surgeons  at  the  hospitals,  while  from 
the  general  officers  he  knew  even  to  the  most  trifling 
details  of  the  regiments  and  corps.  There  was  an 
officer  appointed  to  a  new  regiment,  as  colonel,  who 
had  large  influence  withal  as  a  politician,  and  who 
came  out  opposed  to  General  Scott  politically  and 
otherwise.  At  Jalapa,  he  called  to  see  him,  and 
when  he  left  headquarters,  he  was  amazed  at  the 
information  in  small  matters  that  the  general  had  at 
hand,  "  Why,"  said  he,  "  he  verifies  the  stories  of 
iSTapoleon." 

Those  who  carp  about  particularity  in  small  matters, 
should  remember  what  grand  results  they  have 
accomplished  ;  and  they  should  remember,  too,  that 


174  AVIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

tills  habit  of  sr.cli  vital  importance  to  a  commander, 
like  all  other  habits,  cannot  be  put  on  and  off  at  plea- 
sm-e.  It  maj  exhibit  itself  in  matters  wholly  unim- 
portant, and  a  person  witnessing  it  in  one  of  such  re- 
nown, will  be  amazed,  forgetting  entirely  out  of  what 
a  great  basis  it  sprung.  "  The  world  is  made  up  of 
little  things,"  is  a  favorite  maxim  with  him ;  and  the 
rigidity  with  which  he  enforced  it  in  every  depart- 
ment, alone  saved  the  army  in  Mexico. 

"  Republics,"  it  is  said,  "  are  ungrateful,'-  but 
posterity  is  just,  and  history  eventually  impartial.^^ 

"  Headquarters  of  the  Army.  |^ 
National  Palace  ol'  Mexico,  Sept.  18,  1847.  J 

"  Sm  : — At  tbe  end  of  another  series  of  arduous  and 
brilliant  operations  of  more  than  forty-eight  hours' 
continuance,  tbis  glorious  army  hoisted,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  1-ith,  the  colors  of  the  United  States  on 
the  walls  of  this  palace. 

"  The  victory  of  the  8th,  at  the  Molino  del  Eey 
was  followed  by  daring  reconnaissances  on  the  part 
of  our  distinguished  engineers — Capt.  Lee,  Lieuts. 
Beauregard,  Stevens,  and  Tower,' — Major  Smith, 
senior,  being  sick,  and  Capt.  Mason,  third  in  rank, 
wounded.   Tlieir  operations  were  directed  principally 

*  For  a  more  elaborate  description  of  the  movements  on  Chapul- 
tepec  and  Mexico,  see  the  annexed  despatch  of  the  Commander-in- 
chief,  dated  from  the  capital. 


HIS   DESPATCH.  175 

to  tlie  soutli — towards  the  gates  of  tlie  Piedad,  San 
Angel,  (Kino  Perdido,)  San  Antonio,  and  the  Paseo 
de  la  Yiga. 

''This  city  stands  on  a  slight  swell  of  gronnd,  near 
the  centre  of  an  irregnlar  basin,  and  is  girdled  wath 
a  ditch  in  its  greater  extent — a  navigable  canal  of 
great  breadth  and  depth — very  difficult  to  bridge  in 
the  presence  of  an  enemy,  and  serving  at  once  for 
drainage,  custom-house  purposes,  and  military  de- 
fence ;  leaving  eight  entrances  or  gates,  over  arches 
• — each  of  which  we  found  defended  by  a  system  of 
strong  works,  that  seemed  to  require  nothing  but 
some  men  and  guns  to  be  impregnable. 

"  Outside  and  within  the  cross-fires  of  those  gates, 
we  found  to  the  south  other  obstacles  but  little  less 
formidable.  All  the  approaches  near  the  city  are 
over  elevated  causeways,  cut  in  many  places  (to  op- 
pose us),  and  flanked  on  both  sides  by  ditches,  also 
of  unusual  dimensions.  The  numerous  cross-roads 
are  flanked  in  like  manner,  having  bridges  at  the 
intersections,  recently  broken.  The  meadows  thus 
checkered,  are,  moreover,  in  many  spots,  under  water 
or  marshy ;  for,  it  will  be  remembered,  we  were  in 
the  midst  of  the  wet  season,  though  with  less  rain 
than  usual,  and  we  could  not  wait  for  the  fall  of  the 
neighboring  lakes  and  the  consequent  drainage  of 
the  wet  grounds  at  the  edge  of  the  city — 'the  lowest 
in  the  whole  basin. 


176  WINFIELD    SCOIT. 

After  a  clote  i^ersonal  survey  of  the  sontliern 
gates,  covered  by  Pillow's  division  and  Riley's  bri- 
gade of  Twiggs' — with  four  times  our  numbers  con- 
centrated in  our  immediate  front — ^I  determined  on 
the  11th  to  avoid  that  net-w^ork  of  obstacles,  and  to 
seek,  by  a  sudden  diversion,  to  the  southwest  and 
west,  less  unfavorable  approaches. 

To  economise  the  lives  of  our  gallant  officers  and 
men,  as  well  as  to  ensure  success,  it  became  indis- 
pensable that  this  resolution  should  be  long  masked 
from  the  enemy  ;  and  again,  that  the  new  movement, 
when  discovered,  .should  be  mistaken  for  a  feint, 
and  the  old  as  indicating  our  true  and  ultimate  point 
of  attack. 

Accordingly,  on  the  spot,  the  11th,  I  ordered 
Quitman's  division  from  Coyoacan,  to  join  Pillow, 
by  daylight,  before  the  southern  gates,  and  then  that 
the  two  major-generals,  with  their  divisions,  should 
by  night,  proceed  (two  miles)  to  join  me  at  Tacubaya, 
where  I  was  quartered  with  Worth's  division. 
Twiggs,  with  Riley's  brigade  and  Captain  Taylor's 
•and  Steptoe's  field  batteries — the  latter  of  12-poun- 
ders — was  left  in  front  of  those  gates,  to  manoeuvre, 
to  threaten,  or  to  make  false  attacks,  in  order  to  oc- 
cupy and  deceive  the  enemy.  Twiggs'  other  bri- 
gade (Smith's)  v\'as  left  at  supporting  distance,  in 
the  rear,  at  San  Angel,  till  the  morning  of  the  13th, 
and  also  to  support  our  general  depot  at  ]\[iscoac. 


HIS  DESPATCH.  177 

The  stratagem  against  tlie  sontli  was  admiral )ly  exe- 
cuted tliroiigliout  the  12tli  and  down  to  the  afternoon 
of  the  13th,  when  it  was  too  late  for  the  enemj  to 
recover  from  the  effects  of  his  delusion. 

''  The  first  step  in  the  new  movement  was  to  carry 
Chap'ultepec,  a  natural  and  isolated  mound,  of  great 
elevation,  strongly  fortified  at  its  base,  on  its  accliv- 
ities, and  heights.  Besides  a  numerous  garrison, 
here  was  the  military  college  of  the  republic,  with 
a  large  number  of  sub4ieutenants  and  other  students. 
Those  works  were  within  direct  gun-shot  of  the  vil- 
lage of  Tacubaya,  and,  until  carried,  we  could  not 
approach  the  city  on  the  west,  without  making  a 
circuit  too  wide  and  too  hazardous. 

"  In  the  course  of  the  same  night  (that  of  the  11th) 
heavy  batteries,  within  easy  ranges,  were  established. 
'No.  1,  on  our  right,  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
Drum,  4th  artillery,  (relieved  late  next  day,  for  some 
hours,  by  Lieut.  Andrews  of  the  3d,)  and  Xo.  2, 
commanded  by  Lieut.  Hagner,  ordnance — both  sup- 
ported by  Quitman's  division.  'Nos.  3  and  4  on  the 
opposite  side,  supported  by  Pillow's  division,  were 
commanded,  the  former  by  Capt.  Brooks  and  Lieut. 
S.  S.  Anderson,  2d  artillery,  alternately,  and  the  lat- 
ter by  Lieut.  Stone,  ordnance.  The  batteries  were 
traced  by  Capt.  linger  and  Capt.  Lee,  engineer, 
and  constructed  by  them  with  the  able   assistance 


lib  WIXFIELD   SCOTT. 

of  tlie  young  officers  of  those  corps  and  tlie  artil- 
lery. 

''  To  prepare  for  an  assault,  it  was  foreseen  that 
the  play  of  the  batteries  might  run  into  the  second 
day ;  but  recent  captures  had  not  only  trebled  our 
seige  pieces,  but  also  our  ammunition ;  and  we  knew 
that  we  should  greatly  augment  both  by  carrying  the 
place.  I  was,  therefore,  in  no  haste  in  ordering  an 
assault  before  the  works  were  well  crippled  by  our 
missiles. 

"The  bombardment  and  cannonade,  under  the 
direction  of  Capt.  Huger,  were  commenced  early  in 
the  morning  of  the  12th.  Before  nightfall,  which 
necessarily  stopped  our  batteries,  we  had  perceived 
that  a  good  impression  had  been  made  on  the  castle 
and  its  outworks,  and  that  a  large  body  of  the  enemy 
had  remained  outside,  towards  the  city,  from  an  early 
hour,  to  avoid  our  fire,  and  to  be  at  hand  on  its  ces- 
sation, in  order  to  reinforce  the  garrison  against  an 
assault.  The  same  outside  force  was  discovered  the 
next  morning,  after  our  batteries  had  re-opened  upon 
the  castle,  by  which  we  again  reduced  its  garrison  to 
the  minimum  needed  for  the  guns. 

"  Pillow  and  Quitman  had  been  in  position  since 
early  in  the  night  of  the  11th,  Major-general  "Worth 
was  now  ordered  to  hold  his  division  in  reserve,  near 
the  foundry,  to  support  Pillow ;  and  Brigadier-general 


HIS    DKSPATCH.  179 

Smith,  of  Twiggs'  division,  had  just  arrived  with  his 
brigade  from  Piedad  (two  miles,)  to  support  Quitman. 
Twiggs'  guns,  before  the  southern  gates,  again  re- 
minded us,  as  the  day  before,  that  he,  with  Eiley's 
brigade,  and  Taylor's  and  Steptoe's  batteries,  w\^s  in 
activity,  threatening  the  southern  gates,  and  there 
holding  a  great  part  of  the  Mexican  army  on  the  de- 
fensive. 

"  "Worth's  division  furnished  Pillow's  attack  with 
an  assaulting  party  of  some  tw^o  hundred  and  fifty 
volunteer  officers  and  men,  under  Capt.  M'Kenzie,  of 
the  2d  artillery ;  and  Twiggs'  division  supplied  a 
similar  one,  commanded  by  Capt.  Cassey,  2d  infantry, 
to  Quitman.  Each  of  those  little  columns  was  fur- 
nished with  scaling  ladders. 

"  The  signal  I  had  appointed  for  the  attack  was  the 
momentary  cessation  of  fire  on  the  part  of  our  heavy 
batteries.  About  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the 
13th,  judging  that  the  time  had  arrived  by  the  efiects 
of  the  missiles  we  had  thrown,  I  sent  an  aid-de-camp 
to  Pillow,  and  another  to  Quitman,  with  notice  that 
the  concerted  signal  was  about  to  be  given.  Both 
columns  now  advanced  with  an  alacrity  that  gave 
assurance  of  prompt  success.  The  batteries,  seizing 
opportunities,  threw  shots  and  shells  upon  the  enemy 
over  the  heads  of  our  men,  with  good  effect,  particu- 
larly at  every  attempt  to  reinforce  the  works  from 
without  to  meet  our  assault. 


18C  "SVIiN FIELD    SCOTT. 

"  Major-general  Pillow's  approach,  on  the  west  side, 
lay  through  an  open*  grove,  filled  with  sharp-shooters, 
who  were  speedily  dislodged  ;  when  being  up  with 
the  front  of  the  attack,  and  emerging  into  open  space, 
at  the  foot  of  a  rocky  accliv^ity,  that  gallant  leader  was 
struck  down  by  an  agonizing  wound.  The  immediate 
command  devolved  on  Brigadier-general  Cadwall- 
ader,  in  the  absence  of  the  senior  brigadier  (Pierce) 
of  the  same  division — an  invalid  since  the  events  of 
August  19.  On  a  previous  call  of  Pillow,  Worth 
had  just  sent  him  a  reinforcement — Colonel  Clarke's 
brigade. 

"  The  broken  acclivity  v/as  still  to  be  ascended,  and 
a  strong  redoubt,  midway,  to  be  carried,  before  reach- 
ing the  castle  on  the  heights.  The  advance  of  our 
brave  men,  led  by  brave  officers,  though  necessarily 
slow,  was  unwavering,  over  rocks,  chasms,  and  mines, 
and  under  the  hottest  fire  of  cannon  and  musketry. 
The  redoubt  now  yielded  to  resistless  valor,  and  the 
shouts  that  followed  announced  to  the  castle  the  fate 
that  impended.  The  enemy  were  steadily  driven 
from  shelter  to  shelter.  The  retreat  allowed  not  time 
to  fire  a  single  mine,  without  the  certainty  of  blowing. 
up  friend  and  foe.  Those  who  at  a  distance  attempted 
to  apply  matches  to  the  long  trains,  were  shot  down 
by  our  men.  There  was  death  below,  as  well  as  above 
ground.  At  length  the  ditch  and  wall  of  the  main 
work  were  reached ;  the  scaling  ladders  were  brought 


HIS   DESPATCH.  181 

up  and  planted  by  the  storming  parties ;  some  of  the 
daring  s^^irits  first  in  the  assault  were  cast  down — 
killed  or  wounded  ;  but  a  lodgment  was  soon  made ; 
streams  of  heroes  followed  ;  all  opposition  was  over- 
come, and  several  of  our  regimental  colors  flung  out 
from  the  upper  walls,  amidst  long-continued  shouts 
and  cheers,  which  sent  dismay  into  the  capital.  'No 
scene  could  have  been  more  animating  or  glorious. 

"  JMajor-general  Quitman,  nobly  supported  by 
Brigadier-generals  Shields  and  Smith,  (P.  F.,)  his 
other  ofiicers  and  men,  was  up  with  the  part  assigned 
him.  Simultaneously  with  the  movement  on  the 
west,  he  had  gallantly  approached  the  southeast  of 
the  same  works,  over  a  causeway  with  cuts  and  bat- 
teries, and  defended  by  an  army  strongly  posted  out- 
side, to  the  east  of  the  works.  Those  formidable  ob- 
stacles Quitman  had  to  face,  with  but  little  shelto" 
for  his  troops  or  space  for  manoeuvring.  Deep 
ditches  flanking  the  causeway,  made  it  difficult  to 
cross  on  either  side  into  the  adjoining  meadows,  and 
these  again  were  intersected  by  other  ditches.  Smith 
and  his  brigade  had  been  early  thrown  out  to  make  a 
sweep  to  the  right,  in  order  to  present  a  front  against 
the  enemy's  line,  (outside,)  and  to  turn  two  interven- 
ing batteries  near  the  foot  of  Chapultepec.  This 
movement  was  also  intended  to  support  Quitman's 
storming  parties,  both  on  the  causeway.     The  first  of 

these,  furnished  by  Twiggs'  division,  was  commanded 
10 


182  WINTIELD    SCOTT. 

in  succession  by  Captain  Casey,  2d  infantry,  and 
Captain  Paul,  Ytli  infantry,  after  Casey  had  been 
severely  wounded ;  and  the  second,  originally  under 
the  gallant  Major  Twiggs,  marine  corps,  killed,  and 
then  Captain  Miller,  2d  Pennsylvania  volunteers. 
The  storming  party,  now  commanded  by  Captain 
Paul,  seconded  by  Ca]3tain  Roberts,  of  the  rifles. 
Lieutenant  Stewart,  and  others  of  the  same  regiment, 
Smith's  brigade,  carried  the  two  batteries  in  the  road, 
took  some  guns,  with  many  prisoners,  and  drove  the 
enemy  posted  behind  in  support.  The  iS'ew  York 
and  South  Carolina  volunteers  (Shields'  brigade)  an*d 
the  2d  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  all  on  the  left  of 
Quitman's  line,  together  with  portions  of  his  storm- 
ing parties,  crossed  the  meadows  in  front,  under  a 
heavy  fire,  and  entered  the  outer  enclosure  of  Cha- 
pul tepee  just  in  time  to  join  in  the  final  assault  from 
the  west. 

Besides  Major-generals  Pillow  and  Quitman,  Bri- 
gadier-generals Shields,  Smith,  and  Cadwallader,  tlie 
following  are  the  ofl&cers  and  corps  most  distinguish- 
ed in  those  brilliant  operations  :  The  voltigeur  regi- 
ment in  two  detachments,  commanded  respectively 
by  Colonel  Andrews  and  Lieutenant-colonel  John- 
stone— the  latter  mostly  in  the  lead,  accompanied  by 
Major  Caldwell ;  Captains  Barnard  and  Biddle,  of 
the  same  regiment — the  former  the  first  to  plant  a  re- 
gimental color,  and  the  latter  among  the  first  in  the 


HIS    DESPATCH.  183 

assault ;  the  storming  party  of  Worth's  division,  un- 
der Captain  McKenzie,  2d  artillery,  with  Lieutenant 
Seldon,  8th  infantry,  early  on  the  ladder  and  badly 
wounded ;  Lieutenant  Armistead,  6th  infantry,  the 
first  to  leap  into  the  ditch  to  plant  a  ladder ;  Lieuten- 
ants Rogers  of  the  4th,  and  J.  P.  Smith  of  the  5th  in- 
fantry— both  mortally  wounded ;    the  9th  infantry, 
under  Colonel  Ransom,  who  was  killed  while  gal- 
lantly leading  that  gallant  regiment ;  the  15th  in- 
fantry, under  Lieutenant-colonel  Howard  and  Major 
Woods,  with  Captain  Chase,  whose  company  gallant- 
ly carried  the   redoubt,   midway  by  the   acclivity; 
Col.  Clarke's  brigade,  (Worth's  division,)  consisting  of 
the  5th,  8th,  and  part  of  the  6th  regiments  of  infantry, 
commanded  respectively  by  Captain  Chaj^man,  Major 
Montgomery,  and  Lieutenant  Edward  Johnson — the 
latter  specially  noticed,  with  Lieutenants  Longstreet, 
(badly  wounded,  advancing,  colors  in  hand,)  Pickett, 
and  Merchant,  the  last  three  of  the  8th  infantry ;  por- 
tions of  the  United  States  marines,  !N"ew  York,  South 
Carolina,  and  2d  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  which,  de- 
layed with  their  division  (Quitman's)  by  the  hot  en- 
gagement below,  arrived  just  in  time  to  participate 
in  the  assault  of  the  heights — particularly  a  detach- 
ment under  Lieutenant  Reid,  New  York  volunteers, 
consisting  of  a  company  of  the  same,  with  one  of 
marines ;  and  another  detachment,  a  portion  of  the 
storming  party,  (Twiggs'  division,  serving  with  Quit- 


184  WINFIELD   SCOTT. 

man,)  under  Lieutenant  Steele,  2d  infantry,  after  the 
fall  of  Lieutenant  Gantt,  Ttli  infantry. 

In  this  connection,  it  is  but  just  to  recall  the  deci- 
sive effect  of  tSe  heavy  batteries,  Xos.  1,  2,  3,  and  4, 
commanded  by  those  excellent  officers,  Captain 
Drum,  4th  artillery,  assisted  by  Lieutenants  Benja- 
min and  Porter  of  his  own  company ;  Captain  Brooks 
and  Lieutenant  Anderson,  2d  artillery,  assisted  by 
Lieutenant  Eussell,  4th  infantry,  a  volunteer  ;  Lieu- 
tenants Hagner  and  Stone  of  the  ordnance,  and  Lieu- 
tenant Andrews,  3d  artillery  ;  the  whole  superintend- 
ed by  Captain  Huger,  chief  of  ordnance  with  this 
army — an  officer  distinguished  by  every  kind  of 
merit.  The  mountain  howitzer  battery,  imder  Lieu- 
tenant Eeno,  of  the  ordnance,  deserves,  also,  to  be 
particularly  mentioned.  Attached  to  the  voltigeurs, 
it  followed  the  movements  of  that  regiment,  and 
again  won  applause. 

In  adding  to  the  list  of  individuals  of  conspicuous 
merit,  I  must  limit  myself  to  a  few  of  the  many 
names  which  might  be  enumerated  :  Captain  Hooker, 
assistant  adjutant-general,  who  won  special  applause, 
successively,  in  the  staff  of  Pillow  and  Cadwallader  ; 
Lieutenant  Lovell,  4th  artillery,  (wounded,)  chief  of 
Quitman's  staff;  Caj)tain  Page,  assistant  adjutant- 
general,  (wounded,)  and  Lieutenant  Hammond,  3d 
artillery,  both  of  Shields'  staff,  and  Lieutenant  Yan 


HIS    DESPATCH.  185 

Dorn,  (7th  infantry,)  aid-de-camp  to  Brigadier-general 
Smith. 

Those  operations  all  occurred  on  the  west,  south- 
east, and  heights  of  Chapultepec.  To  the  north  and 
at  the  base  of  the  mound,  inaccessible  on  that  side, 
the  11th  infantry,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Hebert,  the  14th, 
under  Col.  Trousdale,  and  Capt.  Magruder's  field 
battery,  1st  artillery — one  section  advanced  under 
Lieut.  Jackson — all  of  Pillow's  division — had,  at  the 
same  time,  some  spirited  affairs  against  superior 
numbers,  driving  the  enemy  from  a  battery  in  the 
road,  and  capturing  a  gun.  In  these,  the  officers  and 
corps  named  gained  merited  praise.  Colonel  Trous- 
dale, the  commander,  though  twice  wounded,  con- 
tinued on  duty  until  the  heights  were  carried. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  13th,  I  repeated  the 
orders  of  the  night  before  to  Major-general  Worth,  to 
be,  with  his  division  at  hand,  to  support  the  move- 
ment of  Major-general  Pillow  from  our  left.  The 
latter  seems  soon  to  have  called  for  that  entire 
division,  standing  momentarily  in  reserve,  and  Worth 
sent  him  Col.  Clarke's  brigade.  The  call,  if  not 
unnecessary,  was  at  least,  from  the  circumstances, 
unknown  to  me  at  the  time ;  for,  soon  observing  that 
the  very  large  body  of  the  enemy,  in  the  road  in  front 
of  Major-general  Quitman's  right,  was  receiving  rein- 
forcements from  the  city — less  than  a  mile  and  a  half 
to  the  east — I  sent  instructions  to  Worth,  on  our 


186  WIXFIELD    SCOTT. 

opposite  flank,  to  turn  Cliapiiltepec  witli  liis  division, 
and  to  proceed  cautiously,  by  the  road  at  its  nortliern 
base,  in  order,  if  not  met  by  very  superior  nnmbers, 
to  threaten  or  to  attack,  in  rear,  that  body  of  the 
enemy.  The  movement,  it  was  also  believed,  could 
not  fail  to  distract  and  to  intimidate  the  enemy  gen- 
erally. 

"Worth  promply  advanced  with  his  remaining 
brigade — Colonel  Garland's  —  Lieut.  Col.  C.  F. 
Smith's  light  battalion,  Lieut.  Col.  Duncan's  Held 
battery — all  of  his  division — and  three  squadrons  of 
dragoons,  under  Major  Sumner,  which  I  had  just 
ordered  up  to  join  in  the  movement. 

"  Having  turned  the  forest  on  the  west,  and  arriv- 
ing oj)posite  to  the  north  centre  of  Chapultepec, 
Worth  came  up  with  the  troops  in  the  road,  under 
Col.  Trousdale,  and  aided,  by  a  flank  movement  of  a 
part  of  Garland's  brigade,  in  taking  the  one  gun 
breastwork,  then  under  the  fire  of  Lieut.  Jackson's 
section  of  Capt.  Magruder's  field  battery.  Continu- 
ing to  advance,  this  division  passed  Chapultepec, 
attacking  the  right  of  the  enemy's  line,  resting  on 
that  road,  about  the  moment  of  the  general  retreat 
consequent  upon  the  caj^ture  of  the  formidable  castle 
and  its  outworks. 

Arriving  some  minutes  later,  and  mounting  to  the 
top  of  the  castle,  the  whole  field,  to  the  east,  lay 
plainly  under  my  view. 


HIS    DESPATCH.  187 

"There  are  two  routes  from  Cliapultepec  to  tlie 
caj)ital — tlie  one  on  the  riglit  entering  tlie  same  gate, 
Belen,  witli  tlie  road  from  tlie  soiitli,  via  Piedacl ; 
and  tlie  other  obliquing  to  the  left,  to  intersect  the 
great  western,  or  San  Cosmo  road,  in  a  subm-b  out- 
side of  the  gate  of  San  Cosmo. 

"  Each  of  these  routes  (an  elevated  causeway,)  pre- 
sents a  double  roadway  on  the  sides  of  an  aqueduct 
of  strong  masonry  and  great  height,  resting  on 
open  arches  and  massive  pillars,  which  together 
afford  fine  points  both  for  attack  and  defence.  Tlie 
sideways  of  both  aqueducts  are,  moreover,  defended 
by  many  strong  breastworks  at  the  gates,  and  before 
reaching  them.  As  we  had  expected,  we  found  the 
four  tracks  unusually  dry  and  solid  for  the  season. 

"  Worth  and  Quitman  were  prompt  in  pursuing  the 
retreating  enemy — the  former  by  the  San  Cosm® 
aqueduct,  and  the  latter  along  that  of  Belen.  Each 
had  now  advanced  some  hundred  yards. 

"  Deeming  it  all-important  to  profit  by  our  suc- 
cesses and  the  consequent  dismay  of  the  enemy, 
which  could  not  be  otherwise  than  general,  I  hastened 
to  despatch  from  Chapultepec — first  Clark's  brigade, 
and  then  Cadwallader's,  to  the  support  of  Worth, 
and  gave  orders  that  the  necessary  heavy  guns 
should  follow.  Pierce's  brigade  was,  at  the  same 
time,  sent  to  Quitman,  and,  in  the  course  of  the 
afternoon,  I  caused  some  additional  siege  pieces  to 


188  WrXFIELD   SCOTT. 

be  added  to  his  train.  Then,  after  designating  the 
15th  infantry,  nnder  Lieut.  CoL  Howard — Mor- 
gan, the  colonel,  had  been  disabled  by  a  wound 
at  Chui'ubusco — as  the  garrison  of  Chapultepec, 
and  giving  directions  for  the  care  of  the  prison- 
ers of  war,  the  captm-ed  ordnance  and  ordnance 
stores,  I  proceeded  to  join  the  advance  of  "Worth, 
within  the  suburb,  and  beyond  the  turn  at  the  junc- 
tion of  the  aqueduct  with  the  great  highway  from 
the  west  to  the  gate  of  San  Cosmo. 

''At  this  junction  of  roads,  we  first  passed  one  of 
those  formidable  systems  of  city  defences,  spoken 
of  above,  and  it  had  not  a  gun  ! — a  strong  proof, 
1.  That  the  enemy  had  expected  us  to  fail  in  the  at- 
tack upon  Chapultepec,  even  if  we  meant  anything 
more  than  a  feint ;  2.  That,  in  either  case,  we  de- 
signed, in  his  belief,  to  return  and  double  our  forces 
against  the  southern  gates — sl  delusion  kept  up  by 
the  active  demonstrations  of  Twiggs  and  the  forces 
posted  on  that  side  ;  and,  3.  That  advancing  rapidly 
from  the  reduction  of  Chapultei^ec,  the  enemy  had 
not  time  to  shift  guns — our  previous  captures  had 
left  him,  comparatively,  but  few — from  the  southern 
gates. 

"Within  those  disgarnished  works,  I  found  our 
troops  engaged  in  a  street  fight  against  the  enemy 
posted  in  gardens,  at  windows,  and  on  house-tops — 
all  flat,  with  parapets.     Worth  ordered  forward  the 


HIS    DESPATCH.  189 

mountain  howitzers  of  Cadwallader's  brigade,  pre- 
ceded by  skirmishers  and  pioneers,  with  pickaxes 
and  crowbars,  to  force  windows  and  doors,  or  to  bur- 
row through  walls.  The  assailants  were  soon  in  an 
equalitity  of  position  fatal  to  the  enemy.  By  eight 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  Worth  had  carried  two  bat- 
teries in  this  suburb.  According  to  my  instructions, 
he  here  posted  guards  and  sentinels,  and  placed  his 
troops  under  shelter  for  the  night.  There  was  but 
one  more  obstacle — the  San  Cosmo  gate,  (custom- 
house,) between  him  and  the  great  square  in  front 
of  the  cathedi-al  and  palace,  the  heart  of  the  city ; 
and  that  barrier  it  was  known  could  not,  by  daylight, 
resist  our  siege  guns  thirty  minutes. 

"  I  had  gone  back  to  the  foot  of  Chapultepec,  the 
point  from  which  the  two  aqueducts  begin  to  diverge, 
some  hours  earlier,  in  order  to  be  near  that  new 
depot,  and  in  easy  communication  with  Quitman  and 
Twiggs,  as  well  as  with  Worth. 

''  From  this  point  I  ordered  all  detachments  and 
stragglers  to  their  respective  corps,  then  in  advance  ; 
sent  to  Quitman  additional  siege  guns,  ammunition, 
intrenching  tools  ;  directed  Twiggs'  remaining  bri- 
gade (Riley's)  from  Piedad,  to  support  Worth  and 
Captain  Steptoe's  field-battery,  also  at  Piedad,  to  re- 
join Quitman's  division. 

"  I  had  been,  from  the  first,  well  aware  tliat  the 
western  or  San  Cosmo,  was  the  less  difficult  route  to 


190  WLNTIELD    SCOTT. 

tlie  centre,  and  conqnest  of  the  capital,  and  therefore 
intended  that  Quitman  should  only  manoeuvre  and 
threaten  the  Belen  or  southwestern  gate,  in  order  to 
favor  the  main  attack  by  Worth,  knowing  that  the 
strong  defences  at  the  Belen  were  directly  under  the 
guns  of  the  much  stronger  fortress,  called  the  Citadel, 
just  within.  Both  of  these  defences  of  the  enemy 
were  also  within  easy  supporting  distance  from  the 
San  Angel,  orlS^ino  Perdido,  and  San  Antonio  gates. 
Hence  the  greater  support,  in  numbers,  given  to 
Worth's  movement  as  the  main  attack. 

"  These  views  I  repeatedly,  in  the  course  of  the 
day,  communicated  to  Major-general  Quitman;  but 
being  in  hot  pursuit — ^gallant  himself,  and  ably  sup- 
ported by  Brigadier-generals  Shields  and  Smith, 
Shields  badly  wounded  before  Chapultepec,  and  re- 
fusing to  retire,  as  well  as  by  all  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  column — Quitman  continued  to  press  for- 
ward, under  flank  and  direct  fires,  carried  an  inter- 
mediate battery  of  two  guns,  and  then  the  gate, 
before  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  but  not  with- 
out proportionate  loss,  increased  by  his  steady 
maintenance  of  that  position. 

"  Here,  of  the  heavy  battery,  (4:th  artillery,)  Capt. 
Drum  and  Lieutenant  Benjamin  were  mortally 
wounded,  and  Lieutenant  Porter,  its  third  in  rank, 
slightly.  The  loss  of  those  two  most  distinguished 
officers  the  army  will  long  mourn.     Lieutenants  J. 


HIS    DESPATCH.  191 

B.  Morange  and  William  Canty,  of  the  Soutli  Caro- 
lina volunteers,  also  of  high  merit,  fell  on  the  same 
occasion,  besides  many  of  onr  bravest  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  men,  particularly  in  Captain 
Drum's  veteran  company.  I  cannot,  in  this  place, 
give  names  or  numbers  ;  but  full  returns  of  the  killed 
and  wounded,  of  all  corps,  in  their  recent  operations, 
will  accompany  this  report. 

"  Quitman  within  the  city — adding  several  new  de- 
fences to  the  position  he  had  won,  and  sheltering  his 
corps  as  well  as  practicable — ^now  awaited  the  return 
of  daylight  under  the  guns  of  the  formidable  citadel, 
yet  to  be  subdued. 

"  About  4:  o'clock  next  morning,  (Sept.  14,)  a 
deputation  of  the  ayuntamiento  (city  council)  waited 
upon  me  to  report  that  the  federal  government  and 
the  army  of  Mexico  had  fled  from  the  capital  some 
three  hours  before ;  and  to  demand  terms  of  capitu- 
lation in  favor  of  the  church,  the  citizens,  and  the 
municipal  authorities.  I  promptly  replied,  that  I 
would  sign  no  capitulation ;  that  the  city  had  been 
virtually  in  our  possession  from  the  time  of  the  lodg- 
ments effected  by  Worth  and  Quitman  the  day  be- 
fore ;  that  I  regretted  the  silent  escape  of  the  Mexi- 
can army  ;  that  I  should  levy  upon  the  city  a  mode- 
rate contribution,  for  special  purposes  ;  and  that  the 
American  army  should  come  under  no  terms  not 
self-imposed  ;  such  only  as  its  own  honor,  the  dignity 


192  WrXFIELD    SCOTT. 

of  the  United  States,  and  the  spirit  of  the  age,  should, 
in  my  opinion,  imperiously  demand  and  impose. 

"  For  the  terms,  so  imposed,  I  refer  the  department 
to  subsequent  General  Orders,  Xos.  287  and  289,  (par- 
agraphs 7,  8,  and  9  of  the  latter,)  copies  of  which  are 
herewith  enclosed. 

"  At  the  termination  of  the  interview  with  the  city 
deputation,  I  communicated,  about  daylight,  orders 
to  Worth  and  Quitman  to  advance  slowly  and  cau- 
tiously (to  guard  against  treachery)  toward  the  heart 
of  the  city,  and  to  occupy  its  stronger  and  more  com- 
manding points.  Quitman  proceeded  to  the  great 
plaza  or  square,  planted  guards,  and  hoisted  the 
colors  of  the  United  States  on  the  national  palace, 
containing  the  halls  of  Congress  and  executive  de- 
partments of  federal  Mexico.  In  this  grateful  service, 
Quitman  might  have  been  anticipated  by  "Worth,  but 
for  my  express  orders,  halting  the  latter  at  the  head 
of  the  Alameda,  (a  green  park,)  within  three  squares 
of  that  goal  of  general  ambition.  The  capital,  how- 
ever, was  not  taken  by  any  one  or  two  corps,  but  by 
the  talent,  the  science,  the  gallantry,  the  prowess  of 
this  entire  army.  In  the  glorious  conquest,  all  had 
contributed,  early  and  powerfully,  the  killed,  the 
wounded,  and  the  fit  for  duty,  at  Yera  Cruz,  Cerro 
Gordo,  Contreras,  San  Antonia,  Churubusco,  (three 
battles,)  the  Molino  del  Eey,  and  Chapultepec,  as 


HIS   DESPATCH.  193 

mucli  as  those  who  fought  at  the  gates  of  Belen  and 
San  Cosmo. 

"  Soon  after  we  had  entered,  and  were  in  the  act  of 
occupying  the  city,  a  fire  was  opened  upon  us  from 
the  flat  roofs  of  the  houses,  from  windows,  and  corners 
of  streets,  by  some  two  thousand  convicts,  liberated 
the  night  before  by  the  flying  government,  joined  by, 
perhaps,  as  many  Mexican  soldiers,  who  had  disbanded 
themselves,  and  thrown  off  their  uniforms.  This  un- 
lawful war  lasted  more  than  twenty-four  hours,  in 
spite  of  the  exertions  of  the  municipal  authorities,  and 
was  not  put  down  till  we  had  lost  many  men,  includ- 
ing several  officers,  killed  or  wounded,  and  had 
punished  the  miscreants.  Their  objects  were  to 
gratify  national  hatred,  and  in  the  general  alarm  and 
confusion,  to  plunder  the  wealthy  inhabitants,  par- 
ticularly the  deserted  houses.  But  families  are  now 
generally  returning ;  business  of  every  kind  has  been 
resumed,  and  the  city  is  already  tranquil  and  cheer- 
ful, under  the  admirable  conduct  (with  exceptions 
very  few  and  trifling)  of  our  gallant  troops. 

"  This  army  has  been  more  disgusted  than  sur- 
prised, that  by  some  sinister  process  on  the  part  of 
certain  individuals  at  home,  its  numbers  have  been, 
generally,  almost  trebled  in  our  public  papers,  begin- 
ning at  Washington. 

"  Leaving,  as  we  all  feared,  inadequate  garrisons 
at  Yera  Cruz,  Perote,  and  Puebla,  with  much  larger 


191  WrSTIELD    SCOTT. 

hospitals ;  and  being  obliged,  most  reluctantly,  from 
the  same  cause  (general  paucity  of  numbers)  to  aban- 
don Jalapa,  we  marched  (August  7-10)  from  Puebla 
with  only  10,738  rank  and  file.  This  number  includes 
the  garrison  of  Jalapa,  and  the  2,429  men  brought  up 
by  Brigadier-general  Pierce,  August  6. 

"  At  Contreras,  Churubusco,  &c.,  [August  20,]  we 
had  but  8,497  men  engaged — after  deducting  the 
garrison  of  San  Augustin,  (our  general  depot,)  the  in- 
termediate sick  and  the  dead;  at  the  Molino  del 
Bey,  (September  8,)  but  three  brigades,  with  some 
cavalry  and  artillery — making  in  all  3,251  men — 
were  in  the  battle ;  in  the  two  days — September  12th 
and  13th — our  whole  operating  force,  after  deducting, 
again,  the  recent  killed,  wounded,  and  sick,  together 
with  the  garrison  of  Miscoac  (the  then  general  depot) 
and  that  of  Tacubaya,  was  but  7,180  ;  and,  finally, 
after  deducting  the  new  garrison  of  Chapultepec, 
with  the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  two  days,  we  took 
possession  (September  14th,)  of  this  great  capital  with 
less  than  6,000  men.  And  I  re-assert,  upon  accumu- 
lated and  unquestionable  evidence,  that,  in  not  one  of 
those  conflicts  was  this  army  opposed  by  fewer  than 
three-and-a-half  times  its  numbers — in  several  of  them, 
by  a  yet  greater  excess. 

''  I  recapitulate  our  losses  since  we  arrived  in  the 
basin  of  Mexico. 

"August  19,  20. — Killed,  137,  including  14  officers. 


HIS   DESPATCH.  195 

■ — ^Wounded,    877,   including  62    officers.     Missing, 
(probably  killed,)  38  rank  and  file.     Total,  1,052. 

"  September  8. — Killed,  116,  including  9  officers. 
— Wounded,  665,  including  49  officers.  Missing,  18 
rank  and  file.     Total,  789. 

"  SEPTEaiBER  12, 13, 14.— Killed,  130,  including  10 
officers.  Wounded,  703,  including  68  officers.  Miss- 
ing, 29  rank  and  file.     Total,  862. 

"  Grand  total  of  losses,  2,703,  including  383  officers. 

On  the  other  hand,  this  small  force  has  beaten  on 
the  same  occasions  in  view  of  their  capital,  the  whole 
Mexican  army,  of  (at  the  beginning)  thirty-odd  thou- 
sand men — posted,  always,  in  chosen  positions,  behind 
intrenchments,  or  more  formidable  defences  of  nature 
and  art ;  killed  or  wounded,  of  that  number,  more 
than  7,000  officers  and  men ;  taken  3,730  prisoners, 
one-seventh  officers,  including  13  generals,  of  whom 
3  had  been  presidents  of  this  republic  ;  captured  more 
than  20  colors  and  standards,  75  pieces  of  ordnance, 
besides  57  wall  pieces,  20,000  small  arms,  an  immense 
quantity  of  shots,  shells,  powder,  &c.,  &c. 

Of  tliat  enemy,  once  so  formidable  in  numbers, 
appointments,  artillery,  (fcc,  twenty-odd  thousand 
have  disbanded  themselves  in  despair,  leaving,  as  is 
known,  not  more  than  three  fragments — the  largest 
about  2,500 — now  wandering  in  different  directions, 
without  magazines  or  a  military  chest,  and  living  at 
free  quarters  upon  their  own  people. 


196  TnXFIELD   SCOTT. 

General  Santa  Anna,  himself  a  fugitive,  is  believed 
to  be  on  the  point  of  resigning  the  chief-magistracv, 
and  escaping  to  neutral  Guatemala.  A  new  Presi- 
dent, no  doubt,  will  soon  be  declared,  and  the  federal 
Congress  is  expected  to  reassemble  at  Queretaro,  125 
miles  north  of  this,  on  the  Zacatecas  road,  some  time 
in  October.  I  have  seen  and  given  safe  conduct 
through  this  city  to  several  of  its  members.  The 
government  will  find  itself  without  resources;  no 
army,  no  arsenals,  no  magazines,  and  but  little  reve- 
nue, internal  or  external.  Still,  such  is  the  obstinacy, 
or  rather  infatuation,  of  this  people,  that  it  is  very 
doubtful  whether  the  new  authorities  will  dare  to  sue 
for  peace  on  the  terms  which  in  the  recent  negotia- 
tions, were  made  known  by  om-  minister. 

In  conclusion,  I  beg  to  enumerate,  once  more,  with 
due  commendation  and  thanks,  the  distinguished 
staff  officers,  general  and  personal,  who,  in  our  last 
operations  in  front  of  the  enemy,  accompanied  me, 
and  communicated  orders  to  every  point  and  through 
every  danger.  Lieutenant-colonel  Hitchcock,  acting 
inspector-general;  Major  Turnbull  and  Lieutenant 
Hardcastle,  topographical  engineers  ;  Major  Kirby, 
chief  paymaster ;  Captain  Irwin,  chief  quartermaster ; 
Captain  Grayson,  chief  commissary ;  Captain  H.  L, 
Scott,  chief  in  the  adjutant-generaPs  department; 
Lieutenant  Williams,  aid-de-camp ;  Lieutenant  Lay, 


HIS    DESPATCH.  19Y 

military  secretary ;  and  Major  J.  P.  Gaines,  Kentucky, 
cavalry,  volunteer  aid-cle-camp ;  Captain  Lee,  engi- 
neer, so  constantly  distinguished,  also  bore  important 
orders  from  me,  (Sept.  13,)  until  he  fainted  from  a 
wound  and  the  loss  of  two  nights'  sleep  at  the  batte- 
ries. Lieutenants  Beauregard,  Stevens,  and  Tower, 
all  wounded,  were  employed  with  the  divisions,  and 
Lieutenants  G.  W.  Smith  and  G.  B.  McClellan,  with 
the  company  of  sappers  and  miners.  Those  five  .lieu- 
tenants of  engineers,  like  their  captain,  won  the 
admiration  of  all  about  them.  The  ordnance  officers, 
Captain  Huger,  Lieutenants  Hagner,  Stone,  and  Reno, 
were  highly  effective,  and  distinguished  at  the  several 
batteries ;  and  I  must  add  that  Captain  McKinstry, 
assistant  quartermaster,  at  the  close  of  the  operations, 
executed  several  important  commissions  for  me  as  a 
special  volunteer. 

Surgeon-general  Lawson,  and  the  medical  staff 
generally,  were  skilful  and  untiring,  in  and  out  of 
fire,  in  ministering  to  the  numerous  wounded. 

To  illustrate  the  operations  in  this  basin,  I  enclose 
two  beautiful  drawings,  prepared  under  the  directions 
of  Major  Turnbull,  mostly  from  actual  survey. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  with  high  respect,  your 
most  obedient  servant, 

WmPLELD  SCOTT. 

The  Hon.  Wm  L.  Makcy,  Secretary  of  War. 


198  WIXFIELU   SCOTT. 


;:! 


Augusta,  Me.,  March  21,  1839. 

"  '  The  undersigned,  a  Major-Gen eral  in  the  Army 
of  the  United  States,  being  specially  charged  with 
maintaining  the  peace  and  safety  of  their  entire 
northern  and  eastern  frontiers,  having  cause  to  appre- 
hend a  collision  of  arms  between  the  proximate  forces 
of  Xew  Brunswick  and  the  State  of  Maine  on  the 
disputed  territory^  which  is  claimed  by  both,  has  the 
honor,  in  the  sincere  desire  of  the  United  States  to 
preserve  the  relations  of  peace  and  amity  with  Great 
Britain — relations  which  might  be  much  endangered 
by  such  untoward  collision — to  invite  from  his  Ex- 
cellency Major-General  Sir  John  Harvey,  Lieutenant- 
Governor,  &c.,  (Src,  a  general  declaration  to  this 
effect :    ■ 

" '  That  it  is  not  the  intention  of  the  Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor of  Her  Britannic  Majesty's  Province  of  New 
Brunswick,  under  the  expected  renewal  of  negotia- 
tions between  the  cabinets  of  London  and  Washins^ton 
on  the  subject  of  the  said  disputed  temtory,  without 
renewed  instructions  to  that  effect  from  his  govern- 
ment, to  seek  to  take  military  possession  of  that 
territory,  or  to  seek,  by  military  force,  to  expel 
therefrom  the  armed  civil  jposse  or  the  troops  of 
Maine. 

"  *  Should  the  undersigned  have  the  honor  to  be 
favored  with  such  declaration  or  assurance,  to  be  by 


CORRESPONDENCE.  199 

him  communicated  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor 
of  the  State  of  Maine,  the  undersigned  does  not  in 
the  least  doubt  that  he  would  be  immediately  and 
fully  authorized  by  the  Governor  of  Maine  to  com- 
municate to  his  Excellency  the  Lieutenant-Governor 
of  'New  Brunswick  a  corresponding  pacific  declaration 
to  this  efi'ect : 

"  *  That  in  the  hope  of  a  speedy  and  satisfactory 
settlement,  by  negotiation,  between  the  governments 
of  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  of  the  princi- 
pal or  boundary  question  between  the  State  of  Maine 
and  the  Province  of  ^ew  Brunswick,  it  is  not  the 
intention  of  the  Governor  of  Maine,  without  renewed 
instructions  from  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  to 
attempt  to  disturb  by  arms  the  said  Province  in  the 
possession  of  the  Madawaska  settlements,  or  to 
attempt  to  interrupt  the  usual  communications  be- 
tween that  province  and  Her  Majesty's  Upper 
provinces  ;  and  that  he  is  willing,  in  the  mean  time, 
to  leave  the  questions  of  possession  and  jurisdiction 
as  they  at  present  stand — that  is,  Great  Britain  hold- 
ing, in  fact,  possession  of  a  part  of  the  said  territory, 
and  the  government  of  Maine  denying  her  right  to 
such  possession;  and  the  state  of  Maine  holding,  in 
fact,  possession  of  another  portion  of  the  same  ter- 
ritory, to  which  her  right  is  denied  by  Great  Britain. 

"  '  With  this  understanding,  the  Governor  of  Maine 
will,  without  unnecessary  delay,  withdraw  the  military 


200  WLN'FIELD    SCOTT. 

force  of  the  State  from  tlie  said  disputed  territory — 
leaving  only,  under  a  land  agent,  a  small  civil  posse^ 
armed  or  unarmed,  to  protect  the  timber  recently  cut^ 
and  to  prevent  further  depredations. 

"  '  Reciprocal  assurances  of  the  foregoing  friendly 
character  having  been,  through  the  undersigned, 
interchanged,  all  danger  of  collision  between  the 
immediate  parties  to  the  controversy  will  be  at  once 
removed,  and  time  allowed  the  United  States  and 
Great  Britain  to  settle  amicably  the  great  question 
of  limits. 

"  '  The  undersigned  has  much  pleasure  in  renewing 
to  his  Excellency  Major-General  Sir  John  Harvey, 
the  assurances  of  his  ancient  high  consideration  and 
respect. 

"  '  WmFiELD  Scott.' 


"To  a  copy  of  the  foregoing.  Sir  John  Harvey 
annexed  the  following — ■ 

"  'The  undersigned,  Major-General  Sir  John  Har- 
vey, Lieutenant-Governor  of  Her  Britannic  Majesty's 
Province  of  Xew  Brunswick,  having  received  a 
proposition  from  Major-General  Winfield  Scott,  of 
the  United  States  Army,  of  which  the  foregoing  is  a 
copy,  hereby,  on  his  part,  signifies  his  concurrence 
and  acquiescence  therein. 


CORRESrONDENCE.  201 

"  •  Sir  John  Harvey  renews  with  great  pleasure  to 
Major-General  Scott  the  assurances  of  his  warmest 
personal  consideration,  regard,  and  respect. 

" '  J.  Hakvey. 

"  '  Government  House,  Frederickton,      ) 
New  Brunswick,  March  23,  1839.'     ) 


The  following  letter  from  Governor  Harvey  makes  it 
apparent  without  these  documents  whom  he  regarded 
as  the  pacificator.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  to 
Scott's  prudence,  noble  forbearance  and  skill,  we  owe 
the  entire  settlement  of  this  boundary  question,  which 
promised  to  end  in  blood. 

"  My  dear  General  Scott — 

"  Upon  my  return  from  closing 
the  session  of  the  Provincial  Legislature,  I  was  grati- 
fied by  the  receipt  of  your  very  satisfactory  commu- 
nication of  the  21st  instant.  My  reliance  upon  yoti^ 
my  dear  general,  has  led  me  to  give  my  willing  assent 
to  the  proposition  which  you  have  made  yourself  the 
very  acceptable  means  of  conveying  to  me ;  and  I 
trust  that  as  far  as  the  province  and  state  respectively 
are  concerned,  an  end  will  be  put  by  it  to  all  border 
disputes,  and  a  way  opened  to  an  amicable  adjust- 


202  WIXFLELD   SCOTT. 

nient  of  the  national  question  involved.  I  shall  hope 
to  receive  the  confirmation  of  this  arrangement  on 
the  part  of  the  State  of  Maine  at  as  early  a  period  as 
may  be  practicable." 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 


'dR-M  ..    JA^C  J^^  'DT^  . 


'^^^:^^^/k^^^<:=^^^-^^^^ 


ANDREW   JACKSON 


CHAPTEE  I. 


Jackson's  boyhood— Left  an  orphan — Bjs  mother— Massacre  at  "Washaw- At  thir- 
teen becomes  a  soldier— First  battle— His  conrage — Taken  prisoner— His  republi- 
can spirit— Is  wounded— Presence  of  mind— ^Digs  through  his  prison  wall  to  see 
Greene's  encampment — Hobkirk-hill — His  release  and  return  home — Heroism  of 
his  mother — Visits  Charleston— Studies  law — Eemoves  to  Tennessee— Fights  a 
bully- Pursued  by  Indians— His  chivalry — Jealousy  of  Eobards — Marries  Mrs. 
Eobards — Daring  Arrest— Attacked  by  a  mob — Becomes  a  farmer— Duel  with 
Dickinson — His  failure— Defends  the  wronged — Care  of  the  sick — Tecumseh— 
His  eloquence — Massacre  of  Fort  Mimms — Jackson  enters  the  Creek  Country — 
Attacks  the  Indians — The  batte — Distress  of  his  troops — Mutiny  in  his  army. — 
Quells  a  mutiny— A  second  mutiny— Defeats  the  Indians— Attacked  by  Indiaas 
—Eeinforcements— Battle  of  the  Horse  Shoe— Saves  a  warrior— Ends  the  war 
•~-Eis  resolution. 

The  spirit  of  faction  is  always  unjust,  and  often 
cruel.  A  spotless  character,  and  a  life  of  self-sacrifice 
and  devotion  to  others,  cannot  allay  its  resentment,  or 
shame  it  into  honor.  It  was,  therefore,  doubtless,  well 
for  both  Generals  Harrison  and  Taylor,  that  they  fell 
on  the  threshold  of  their  political  life.  They  had  al- 
ready experienced  enough  of  detraction  and  injustice 

to  convince  them  of  the  untiring  hatred  of  party  spirit. 
10  A 


204  A2sDKEW   JACKSOX. 

General  Jackson  not  only  tasted  the  bitter  cup  wliicli 
an  unjust  opposition  presented  to  his  lips,  but  drank 
it  to  the  dregs,  during  the  eight  years  of  his  stormy 
presidency.  But  now,  each  succeeding  year  that 
sweeps  over  his  grave,  obliterates  some  of  the  marks 
of  former  struggles,  and  former  hate,  and  retouches 
those  half-effaced  lines  which  a  grateful  nation  had 
traced  to  his  memory,  and  which  will  be  read  with 
pride  and  love,  when  the  animosity  that  obscured 
them  shall  be  remembered  only  to  be  pitied  and  con- 
demned. 

In  1765  a  transient  vessel  modestly  crept  into  the 
harbor  of  Charleston,  having  on  board  a  number  of 
emigrants,  who  had  fled  from  persecution  in  the  old 
world,  to  find  shelter  and  repose  in  the  new.  Among 
them,  was  a  Protestant  family  from  the  north  of  Ire- 
land, by  the  name  of  Jackson.  Like  all  the  Protest- 
ants from  that  section  of  Ireland,  they  were  descended 
from  the  Scotch,  who  came  over  to  settle  on  lands 
confiscated  by  the  English  government.  This  family 
consisted  of  Andrew  Jackson,  his  wife,  and  two  sons, 
Hugh  and  Eobert.  The  father  was  the  youngest  of 
four  sons,  and  though  unaccustomed  to  the  manage- 
ment of  a  large,  wild  farm,  resolved  to  leave  a  land 
torn  with  civil  dissensions,  and  vexed  and  outraged 
oj  English  injustice,  and  make  for  himself  a  home  in 
the  distant  colonies  of  America. 

He  was  accompanied  by  three  of  his  neighbors, 


niS   MOTUEK.  205 

who,  with  him,  disliking  the  low  lands  near  the  coast 
around  Charleston,  passed  north,  to  the  borders  of 
iN'orth  Carolina,  and  settled  in  a  wild  and  remote 
spot,  on  the  Waxhaw  Creek.  Two  years  after,  March 
15th,  1767,  Andrew  Jackson,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  born.  The  father  lived  but  a  short  time 
after  the  birth  of  the  son  who  was  to  bear  his  name, 
and  render  it  immortal,  leaving  the  disconsolate 
widow  to  struggle  with  the  difficulties  that  attend  the 
settlement  of  a  new  country. 

The  property  left  to  the  family,  was  small,  but  by 
the  energy  of  Mrs.  Jackson  and  her  two  older  sons, 
it  was  made  to  yield  a  comfortable  subsistence.  Such 
a  mother  as  watched  over  the  opening  existence  of 
the  fatherless  Andrew,  is  seldom  given  to  children. 
Like  the  mother  of  the  young  ITapoleon,  she  was 
gifted  with  a  strong  intellect,  while,  in  the  strictness 
of  her  religious  principles,  fixedness  of  purpose,  and 
fearlessness  of  heart,  she  resembled  the  old  Covenant- 
ers, from  whom  she  was  descended.  Had  she  lived 
in  those  troublous  times  of  her  church,  when  the 
sword  of  Claverhouse  was  making  the  hills  of  Scot- 
land ruddy  with  the  blood  of  its  children,  she  would 
have  been  among  the  first  to  resist  the  oppressor, 
even  at  the  cost  of  her  life.  From  her,  Andrew  de- 
rived his  daring  spirit,  inflexible  will,  tireless  energy, 
and  hatred  of  oppression.  The  history  of  both  her 
Irish  and  Scotch  ancestors,  had  been  one  of  wrono:  and 

11 


206  ANDREW    JACKSON. 

cruelty  inflicted  by  Englisli  power,  and  as  she  re- 
counted the  past  to  her  listening  cliild,  deep  and  per- 
manent impressions  were  made,  that  no  change  of 
circumstances  or  time  could  afterwards  obliterate. 

"Whether  there  was  something  about  this,  her 
youngest  born, — in  his  flashes  of  youthful  genius — 
the  fervid  and  daring  spirit,  which  even  in  boyhood 
would  often  burst  forth,  or  whether  a  deeper  love, 
clinging  around  the  child  of  her  bereavement,  who 
bore  the  name  of  her  lost  companion,  influenced  her 
determination,  at  all  events,  she  resolved,  limited  as 
her  means  were,  to  give  him  an  education.  True  to 
the  faith  of  her  fathers,  she  dedicated  him  to  God. 
That  bright  young  intellect,  whose  development  she 
watched  with  such  maternal  solicitude,  must  bestow 
its  powers  on  no  mere  worldly  object,  and  she  resolved 
that  he  should  become  a  herald  of  the  cross — little 
thinking  how  soon  that  voice,  instead  of  uttering 
accents  of  mercy,  would  ring  loudest  on  the  battle 
field. 

Amid  the  peaceful  studies  of  "Waxhaw  academy,  to 
which  Andrew  had  been  sent  to  commence  his  edu- 
cation, passed  the  first  years  of  his  boyhood.  While 
here,  the  Ee volution  broke  out,  and  though  the  con- 
flict was  principally  in  the  northern  colonies,  still  the 
vrar  notes  which  a  free  people  uttered,  found  an  echo 
in  the  bosoms  of  the  inhabitants  of  South  Carolina, 
aiid  the  battles  of  Lexington,  Concord,  Bunker  Hill, 


IVIASSACRE   AT   AVAXHAW.  207 

— the  news  of  the  disastrous  campaign  that  followed, 
— the  brilliant  movement  of  Washington  on  Trenton, 
— the  toils  and  sufferings  of  the  American  soldiers, — 
the  battle  of  Saratoga,  and  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne, 
fanned  the  flames  of  patriotism,  and  filled  the  hearts 
of  young  and  old  w^ith  a  burning  desire  to  strike  one 
blow  for  their  common  country.  Isor  had  they  long 
to  wait,  for  the  desolating  tide  of  war  soon  rolled 
south,  and  the  rallying  notes  of  the  bugle  rang  through 
the  pine  woods  of  Carolina. 

In  1778,  Savannah  was  taken,  and  the  next  spring 
the  British  troops  passed  over  into  South  Carolina. 
They  were  met  by  the  hardy  yeomanry,  among  w^hom 
was  Hugh  Jackson,  the  elder  brother  of  Andrew.  He 
fell  in  his  first  battle,  at  Stono,  overcome  by  the  heat 
and  labor  of  the  day. 

The  next  year  Charleston  surrendered,  and  the 
British  army,  in  three  strong  columns,  pierced  the 
state  in  three  different  directions.  Colonel  Buford, 
with  four  hundred  men,  slowly  retired  before  the 
column  under  Cornwallis,  who,  hearing  of  the  presence 
of  his  adversary,  desj^atched  Colonel  Tarleton  with 
two  hundred  and  seventy  dragoons,  in  pursuit.  Colonel 
Buford  w'as  overtaken  at  Waxhaw,  the  home  of 
Andrew,  and  cut  to  pieces.  Out  of  the  four  hundred 
in  his  command,  two  hundred  and  sixty  were  left 
dead,  or  badly  wounded,  in  the  peaceful  village  of 
Waxhaw.     On  the  quiet  green,  along  the  rural  street, 


208  ANDEEW   JACKSOX. 

around  the  humble  cottages,  lay  the  mutilated  bodies, 
nearly  all  of  them  showing  the  ghastly  wounds  of  the 
sabre.  The  fierce  dragoons,  with  their  bugle  blasts, 
and  shouts,  and  trampling  steeds,  had  come  and  gone 
like  a  whirlwind,  leaving  desolation  in  their  path, 
while  the  silence  that  succeeded  this  sudden  uproar, 
and  short,  fierce  death-struggle,  was  broken  only  by 
the  groans  of  the  dying.  The  little  village  church 
was  immediately  turned  into  an  hospital,  and  the  in- 
habitants vied  with  each  other  in  ministering  to  the 
wounded. 

Andrew  was  at  this  time  but  twelve  years  of  age; 
but  as  he  listened  to  the  tumult  of  the  battle,  and 
afterwards  gazed  on  the  frightful  spectacle,  his  young 
heart  kindled  into  rage,  and  in  that  dreadful  hour, 
the  soldier  was  born. 

Kot  long  after,  as  the  marauders,  under  Lord  Raw- 
don,  advanced  towards  the  settlements  on  the  Wax- 
haw,  marking  their  course  with  rapine  and  murder, 
Mrs.  Jackson  and  her  two  remainino^  sons,  to2:ether 
with  most  of  the  inhabitants,  fled  into  North  Carolina, 
where  they  remained  till  the  British  commander  was 
recalled  to  Camden. 

In  July  of  this  year  (1780),  General  Sumter  made 
his  gallant  but  unsuccessful  attack  on  the  British  at 
Kocky  Mount.  Soon  aftei',  he  was  reinforced  by  a 
party  of  Waxhaw  settlers  under  Colonel  Davie, 
among  whom  were  the  two  sons  of  "Widow  Jackson. 


BECOMES    A    SOLDIER.  209 

Andrew,  at  this  time,  was  but  thirteen  years  old,  and 
could  scarcely  stagger  under  the  weight  of  his  musket. 
It  was  sad  to  behold  one  so  young  marching  to  the 
carnage  of  battle;  but  there  was  a  sublimity,  a 
grandeur,  about  the  gallant  boy,  that  wins  our  highest 
admiration.  It  is  a  terrible  thing  to  have  such  a 
child  cast  into  the  midst  of  strife  and  blooclshed  ;  and 
yet  it  is  a  noble  spectacle  to  behold  so  young  a  heart 
laid  on  the  altar  of  his  country,  so  fresh  a  life  offered 
a  sacrifice  to  liberty. 

It  was  hard  for  the  solitary  widow  to  j^art  with 
her  "  Benjamin,"  the  child  of  her  love.  As  she 
strained  him  to  her  bosom,  she  thought  of  the  hard- 
ships and  toilsome  march  before  him,  and  alas !  of 
the  battle-field  on  which,  perchance,  his  pale  and 
innocent  cheek  would  be  pressed  in  death,  while 
his  clotted  locks  lay  trampled  in  the  earth ;  yet. 
Spartan-like,  she  bade  him,  in  God's  name,  go,  and 
strike  for  the  land  of  his  birth. 

On  the  6th  of  August,  General  Sumter  attacked 
the  British  post  at  Hanging  Eock.  At  first,  he  was 
successful;  but,  owing  to  the  insubordination  of 
some  of  his  troops,  he  was  at  lengtii  compelled  to 
retreat.  The  young  Jacksons  were  in  Col.  Davie's 
corps,  which  fought  gallantly  to  the  last.  This  was 
Andrew's  first  battle,  and  in  it  he  showed  the  metal 
he  was  made  of. 

Soon  after  this  engagement,  he  returned  to  his 


210  AXDEEW    JACKSON. 

moilier,  wlio  again  fled  for  safety  to  Xorth  Carolina. 
Here  tliey  remained  till  February,  when,  they  once 
more  recrossed  the  borders,  in  search  of  their  home. 
The  conflict,  which  now  raged  with  violence  in 
the    Carolinas,  was   not   confined   to    British    and 
Americans,  but  civil  war  broke  forth  in  all  its  fury. 
Towns,  and  even  families,  were  divided ;  and  with 
the  success  of  the  British,  the  Tories  increased  both 
in  numbers  and  boldness  ;  and,  knowing  the   conn- 
try  thoroughly,  rendered  concealment  on  the  part 
of  the  "Whigs  difficult.     The  patriotic  inhabitants 
were  compelled  to  be  on  their  guard  as  much  as  if 
surrounded  by  hostile   Indians.     Andrew,  and  his 
brother,   therefore,  with   others,  kept   their  horses 
and  guns  to  be  ready  at  a  moment's  warning  for  any 
enterprise  that  might  offer  itself.     One  night,  a  Cap- 
tain Lands,  an  officer  in  the  rebel  army,  came  to  the 
TTaxhaw  to  spend  a  night  with  his  family.     Fearing 
his  arrival  might  be  known  to  the  Tories,  who  would 
at  once  capture  him,  a  guard  of  eight  men  volun- 
teered to  keep  watch  around  the  house.    Andrew  and 
his  elder  brother  Robert  were  among  the  number. 

JSTo  signs  of  disturbance  having  been  seen  during 
the  evening,  the  party  lay  down  on  the  floor  of  the 
house  and  fell  asleep.  One  of  them,  however,  be- 
ing a  British  deserter,  and  fearing  re-capture,  could 
not  60  easily  compose  himself. 

Tlie  night  wore  on,  and  all  was  still  without,  save 


HIS    COUKAGE  211 

tlie  music  of  runiimg  water;  and  everything  "be- 
tokened repose  and  safety.  But,  a  little  after  mid- 
night, the  British  deserter,  who  sat,  wide  awake, 
outside  the  door,  thought  he  heard  a  noise  near  the 
stable,  and,  stealing  cautiously  out,  saw  a  party  of 
Tories  stealthily  approaching  the  house.  Kushing 
back,  he  seized  the  person  lying  nearest  the  door  by 
the  hair,  exclaiming,  "  The  Tories  are  upon  us !  the 
Tories  are  uj^on  us !"  The  sleeper  thus  suddenly 
aroused  was  the  boy  Andre^v.  Instead  of  showing 
the  agitation  natural  to  a  lad  of  fourteen,  he  quickly 
snatched  up  his  musket,  and,  running  forth  in  the 
direction  pointed  out  by  the  deserter,  saw  the  dim 
outline  of  a  body  of  men  silently  advancing.  Rest- 
ing his  musket  in  the  crotch  of  an  apple  tree,  he 
stoutly  hailed  them.  Heceiving  no  answer,  he 
hailed  them  again,  and,  still  receiving  no  reply, 
fired.  A  volley  instantly  followed,  and  the  deserter 
fell  dead  by  his  side.  The  i^arty,  however  finding 
themselves  discovered,  halted,  uncertain  whether  to 
advance  or  retreat.  The  house  had  a  hall  running 
directly  through  it,  from  east  to  west,  with  a  door 
at  either  extremity.  The  party  at  which  young 
Jackson  fired  was  approaching  the  east  door ;  but, 
in  the  mean  time,  another  detachment  had  taken  a 
slight  circuit  around  the  house,  in  order  to  stop  tlie 
inmates  from  escaping  by  the  west  entrance.  The 
latter,  mistaking  the  volley  which   had  been  dis- 


212  AXDrwE^v  jackson. 

charged  at  Jackson,  for  tliat  of  a  sallying  party 
from  the  house,  -vvlieelccl,  and  fired  at  their  friends. 
In  tlie  meantime,  Andrew  had  re-entered  the  honse, 
and,  running  to  the  west  door,  began,  with  two 
others,  to  fire  on  the  enemy.  In  a  short  time,  both 
of  his  companions,  were  shot  down  by  his  side ;  but 
the  gallant  boy,  though  alone,  boldly  maintained 
the  contest.  It  was  uncertain  how  this  unequal  con- 
flict would  end ;  when,  suddenly,  over  the  crack  of 
musketry,  there  rang  on  the  clear  night  air  the  shrill 
blast  of  a  bugle,  sounding  the  charge.  The  Tories, 
alarmed,  turned  and  fled  precipitately.  Andrew 
expected  every  moment  to  hear  the  tramp  of  cavalry 
sweeping  along  the  road ;  but  no  cavalry  came,  and 
he  and  his  remaining  friends  kept  undisturbed  watch 
over  their  dead  and  wounded  comrades  till  morning. 

It  turned  out  afterwards  that  Major  Isbel,  who 
was  in  the  neighborhood,  had  heard  the  firing,  and, 
supposing  that  Captain  Land's  house  was  attacked, 
snatched  down  his  bugle,  and  blew  a  charge  to  alarm 
the  assailants,  though  he  had  not  a  man  with  him. 

The  coolness  and  self-possession  of  Andrew  in  this 
night  attack,  exhibit  a  presence  of  mind  and  cour- 
age seldom  witnessed  in  a  tried  soldier,  and  fore- 
shadow the  great  commander. 

In  the  mean  time  Lord  Rawdon,  hearing  that  the 
stubborn  and  patriotic  Waxhaw  settlers  had  re- 
turned, despatched  Major  Coflin  with  a  detachment 


TAKEN    PRISONER.  213 

of  infantry  and  dragoons  to  capture  tliem.  The 
sturdy  settlers  were  informed  of  their  approach,  "but 
resolved  to  maintain  their  ground.  Some  forty  of 
them  assembled  at  the  village  meeting-house,  and 
were  waiting  for  a  reinforcement  which  was  momen- 
tarily expected,  when  the  British  detachment  ap- 
proached, with  the  Tories,  dressed  in  the  garb  of 
settlers,  in  front.  Deceived  by  their  dress,  the 
patriots  supposed  them  to  be  friends,  till  they  were 
about  entering  the  village  ;  when,  discovering  their 
mistake,  they  leaped  upon  their  horses  and  fled. 
The  dragoons,  however,  dashed  in  among  them,  and 
captured  eleven  out  of  the  forty.  The  two  Jacksons 
were  among  the  number  who  escaped.  Andrew 
and  his  cousin.  Lieutenant  Crawford,  kept  together ; 
but,  in  galloping  across  a  marshy  field,  the  horse  of 
the  latter  mired,  and  fell.  Before  he  could  recover 
himself,  he  was  fired  upon,  wounded,  and  taken 
prisoner.  Andrew  kept  on,  and  soon  after  encoun- 
tered his  brother,  when  the  two  continued  their 
flight  to  Cain  Creek,  on  the  banks  of  which,  in  a 
dense  thicket,  they  concealed  themselves  till  next 
morning.  Crouching  like  hunted  panthers  in  their 
place  of  retreat,  the  two  brothers  passed  a  long  and 
anxious  night,  and  watched  the  sun  struggling  up 
through  the  tree-tops  with  longing  eyes.  They, 
however,  dared  not  venture  out  till  late  in  the  day ; 
but  as  hour  after  hour  passed  by,  and  they  heard  no 


214:  ANDREW    JACKSOX. 

sounds  of  pursuit,  tliej  finally  resolved  to  sally  forth, 
in  search,  of  food,  which  they  had  not  tasted  since 
twelve  o'clock  the  day  before.  The  house  of  their 
cousin,  Lieut.  Crawford,  was  near;  and,  leaving 
their  horses  tied  in  the  thicket,  they  cautiously 
approached  it.  Unfortunately,  a  party  of  Tories 
had  discovered  their  retreat,  and  immediately  sur- 
rounded the  house.  Resistance  and  escape  were 
alike  hopeless,  and  they  surrendered  themselves 
prisoners.  A  scene  of  ruffianism  and  brutality  fol- 
lowed. The  house  was  sacked,  the  furniture  de- 
stroyed, the  clothes  of  the  inmates  torn  in  pieces, 
and  every  indignity  put  on  the  family  of  Mrs. 
Crawford,  without  a  word  of  rebuke  from  the 
British  officer  in  command.  The  latter,  cooly  seat- 
ing himself,  ordered  Andrew  to  clean  his  boots. 
The  fiery  young  republican,  whose  heart  was  swell- 
ing with  suppressed  wrath  at  the  brutality  he  was 
compelled  to  witness,  indignantly  refused,  when  the 
dastardly  officer  struck  at  him  with  his  sword. 
Andrew,  throwing  up  his  left  arm  to  parry  the 
blow,  received  it  on  his  hand,  which  was  nearly 
half  severed.  Tlie  officer  then  turned  to  the  elder 
brother,  Kobert,  and  peremptorily  commanded  him 
to  perform  the  menial  service.  Meeting  with  the 
same  proud  refusal,  he,  in  his  cowardly  anger,  laid 
open  the  head  of  the  unarmed  man  with  a  sword- 


HIS    PPvESENCE    OF    MIXD.  215 

cut,  Inflicting  a  wound  from  wliicli  the  sufferer  never 
recovered. 

After  this  exhibition  of  cowardice  and  ferocity, 
young  Andrew,  with  his  hand  gashed  and  still 
bleeding,  was  placed  on  a  horse  and  ordered  to  lead 
the  way  to  the  house  of  Major  Thomj)son,  a  gallant 
Whig.  lie  was  told  that  if  he  flinched,  or  failed  to 
do  as  he  was  directed,  he  would  instantly  be  put  to 
'death.  Forgetful  of  his  wound,  and  scorning  the 
threats  of  his  captors,  the  noble  boy  thought  only 
how  he  might  save  the  American  ofiicer.  Fearing 
the  latter  might  be  at  home,  he  resorted  to  a  strata- 
gem, that  seems  marvellous  in  a  lad  only  fourteen 
years  of  age.  Surrounded  by  vindictive  men — 
assailed  with  threats  of  vengeance,  and  bleeding 
fast  from  a  ghastly  wound,  he  still  rose  superior  to  the 
fear  with  which  man  is  able  always  to  overcome  a 
child,  and  self-collected  and  reserved,  plotted  in 
their  very  midst,  how  he  might  thwart  their  plans. 
Knowing  if  he  took  the  direct  route  to  the  house, 
their  approach  would  not  be  discovered  till  it  was 
too  late  for  the  fugitive  to  escaj^e,  he  made  a  wide 
detour,  and  crossing  fields  and  traversing  patches  of 
woods,  at  length  came  in  sight  of  the  building  from 
an  eminence  half  a  mile  distant.  As  he  cast  his 
anxious  eye  down,  he  saw  Thompson's  horse  tied 
near  the  house — a  certain  sign  that  the  rider  was 
within.     The    British    dragoons    immediately    put 


216  AXDEEW   JACKSOX. 

spurs  to  their  steeds,  and  dashed  forward.  But 
before  they  could  reach  the  dwelling,  Andrew,  to 
his  inexpressible  delight,  saw  Thompson  rush  out, 
leap  into  the  saddle,  plunge  boldly  into  the  creek 
near  by,  and  swim  to  the  oj^posite  shore.  The  latter 
seeing  the  dragoons  pause  on  the  brink  of  the  rapid 
stream,  afraid  to  cross,  turned  and  shouted  back  his 
curse  and  defiance,  and  then  trotted  leisurely  away. 

Andrew  and  his  brother,  with  some  twenty  others, 
were  then  placed  upon  horses,  and  started  for 
Camden,  forty  miles  distant.  Xo  food  or  water  was 
allowed  the  prisoners  during  the  whole  route — the 
attem^Dt  even  to  snatch  a  handful  of  water  from  the 
streams  they  forded  on  the  way,  was  resisted  with  a 
brutality  that  would  put  a  savage  to  shame.  Arriv- 
ing at  Camden,  they  were  thrust,  with  two  or  three 
hundred  others,  into  the  redoubt  which  surrounded 
the  jail,  and  left,  half  naked,  and  their  wounds  un- 
dressed, to  suffer  and  to  dite.  Andrew  w^as  separated 
from  his  brother  and  Lieutenant  Crawford,  when 
their  relationship  was  discovered,  while,  to  add  still 
more  to  the  horrors  of  his  confinement,  nothing  but 
the  most  disgusting  bread  was  allowed  him  for  food. 

One  day  as  he  sat  by  the  entrance  of  his  prison, 
basking  in  the  warm  sunshine  of  a  spring  day,  the 
oflScer  of  the  guard,  struck  by  his  boyish  appear- 
ance, began  to  question  him.  To  his  sur23rise,  the 
high-spirited  lad,  instead  of  complaining  and  appeal- 


HOBKIRK   HILL.  217 

ing  to  liis  sympathy,  boldly  clenoimced  tlie  treatment 
he  and  his  fellow-prisoners  received,  as  inhuman, 
and  nnsoldierlike.     A  report  was  immediately  made 
in  the  proper  quarter,  and  meat  was  added  to  the 
rations,  and  comforts  hitherto  denied,  were  allowed. 
While  the  boy  hero  was  thns  counting  the  hours 
of  his  weary  prison-life,  growing  old  before  his  time, 
he  heard  that  General  Greene  was  advancing  to  at- 
tack Camden — indeed  was   already  encamped   on 
Hobkirk  Hill,  only  a  mile  from  the  town.     Know- 
ing that  a  battle  would  soon  be  fought,  he  deter- 
mined, if  j)ossible,  to  witness  it.     From  the  eminence 
on  which  the  jail  stood,  Hobkirk  Hill,  and  Greene's 
encampment  were  in  full  view.     But  soon  after  the 
arrival  of  the  American  army,  a  high,  tight  plank 
fence  was  built  around  the  redoubt,  which  effectually 
shut  out  all  the  surrounding  country.     Young  Jack- 
son, however,  was  not  thus  to  be  foiled,  and  having 
obtained  an  old  razor,  used  by  the  prisoners  to  cut 
their  j)rovisions,  he,  on  the  night  of  the  24th  of 
April,  commenced  his  attack  on  the  planks.     While 
the  rest  of  the  prisoners  were  wrapped  in  slumber, 
he  worked  away  by  the  dim  light  of  the  stars,  hour 
after  hour,  and  at  length  towards  morning,  succeeded 
in  loosening  a  knot.     Applying  his  eye  to  the  aper- 
ture thus  made,  he  found,  to  his  infinite  joy,  that  he 
had   a  fine   view   of  Greene's   encampment.     The 
next  morning,  ascertaining  that  Rawdon  was  about 


218  AXDREW    JACKSON. 

to  issue  forth  w'itli  all  liis  force,  and  attack  tlie 
Americans  in  tlieir  entrencliments,  he  mounted  the 
redoubt,  and  placed  his  eje  at  the  knot-hole  to  watch 
the  progress  of  events,  while  the  prisoners  gathered 
in  a  crowd  below  to  hear  his  report.  "What  hopes 
and  fears  alternately  shook  that  yoimg  bosom  as  he 
watched  the  English  column  slowly  ascending  the 
hill,  making  straight  for  the  heart  of  the  American 
encampment.  His  eye  gleamed  and  his  voice  trem- 
bled, as  he  saw  the  American  pickets  and  advanced 
guard  rapidly  driven  in,  but  when  he  heard  the 
artillery  of  Greene  open,  and  beheld  the  descending 
wings  of  the  American  army  swoop  like  an  eagle, 
on  the  contracted  flanks  of  the  enemy,  crushing 
them  in  their  headlong  charge,  a  cry  of  joy  startled 
the  listeners  below.  And  again,  as  he  caught  a 
glimpse  of  Washington's  cavalry  about  to  burst  on 
the  rear,  he  believed  the  battle  gained.  But  the 
sudden  unexj)ected  j^anic  of  the  veteran  Maryland 
regiment,  made  the  tide  of  battle  again  set  against 
the  patriot  army,  and  at  length,  with  grief  and  an- 
guish unspeakable,  he  saw  the  latter  rolled  back, 
and  disappear  over  the  hill,  while  the  English  flag 
waved  above  the  spot,  where,  in  the  morning, 
proudly  floated  the  banner  of  his  country. 

Tliat  excited  boy,  watching  from  far  the  wavering 
fortunes  of  his  country — a  group  of  prisoners  stand- 
ing breathless  below,  gazing  intently  on  his  form,  to 


ins    RELEASE.  219 

catch  every  word  that  fell  from  his  lir>s,  present  one 
of  the  finest  scenes  to  the  imagination,  which  our 
history  affords.  Rebecca,  leaning  from  the  battle- 
mented  castle,  looking  down  on  the  tumultuous  fight 
at  the  base,  and  reporting  its  progress  to  the  wounded 
Ivanhoe,  as  he  tossed  on  his  impatient  couch,  does 
not  exhibit  so  much  the  true  sublime,  as  this  young 
republican,  watching  the  progress  of  freedom's  bat- 
tle, and  now  in  exultant  and  now  in  mournful  ac- 
cents, reporting  to  the  ragged,  emaciated  patients 
beneath  him,  its  changes  and  its  disastrous  issue. 

Soon  after  the  retreat  of  Greene,  young  Jackson 
was  sui-prised  to  hear  that  his  mother  was  in  town. 
From  the  moment  her  boys  were  taken  prisoners, 
she  had  not  ceased  to  devise  means  for  their  release. 
She  had  lingered  round  their  prison  walls,  and 
prayed  and  wept  in  secret,  over  their  fate.  At 
length,  through  her  influence,  an  exchange  was  ef- 
fected, and  Andrew  and  Eobert,  together  with  five 
others,  were  set  at  liberty  in  return  for  thirteen 
British  soldiers,  who  had  been  captured  by  a  Whig. 
The  spectacle  those  two  sons  presented  to  their 
mother,  was  enough  to  break  her  Spartan  heart.  The 
wound  in  Robert's  head  had  never  been  dressed,  and 
he  looked  haggard  and  wan,  while  the  faces  of  both 
showed  that  they  were  infected  with  the  small -pox. 
The  hospital  was  the  proj^er  place  for  them  instead 
of  the  highway,  still  thev  resolved  to  start  for  their 


220  AXDEEVr    JACKSOX. 

home.  They  had  means  only  sufficient  to  i:)rocnre 
two  horses,  one  of  which  was  given  to  Mrs.  Jack- 
son, while  Robert  was  j)laced  on  the  other,  supported 
by  his  fellow-j^risoners.  Young  Andrew  trudged 
along  on  foot,  with  every  vein  in  him  swelling  with 
the  fever  of  disease.  This  sad,  sick  group,  presented 
a  sorrowful  as23ect,  as  past  desolated  dwellings,  and 
deserted  hamlets,  they  slowly  travelled  back  to  their 
homes.  The  second  day,  when  within  a  few  miles 
of  the  settlement,  a  sudden  shower  of  rain  overtook 
them,  before  they  could  reach  shelter,  which 
drenched  the  party  to  the  skin,  and  drove  the  small- 
pox in  on  both  the  boys.  They  were  immediately 
taken  dangerously  ill,  and  the  disease  combining 
with  the  putrid,  undressed  wound,  brought  on  in- 
flammation of  the  brain  in  Hobert,  and  in  two  days 
he  was  dead.  Andrew  became  delirious,  and  no- 
thing but  the  constant  care  and  nursing  of  his  af- 
flicted mother,  saved  him  from  sharing  the  fate  of 
his  brother. 

He  had  scarcely  recovered  his  health,  when  this 
"  mother  of  the  Gracchi,"  forgetting  her  own  sor- 
rows in  the  sufferings  of  her  countrymen,  resolved, 
with  four  or  five  other  ladies,  to  go  to  Charleston, 
and  succor,  if  possible,  their  neighbors,  who  were 
there  confined  on  board  a  prison-shijD. 

Her  last  surviving  child  demanded  her  attention 
and  care  at  home,  but  she  had  long  since  placed 


HEEOISM    OF   HIS   MOTHER.  221 

liim,  witli  lier  otlier  cliildren  and  herself,  on  tlie 
altar  of  her  country,  and  the  successive  immolation 
of  the  victims  could  not  swerve  her  great  heart  from 
the  sacrifice. 

Taking  with  them  such  supplies  as  they  thought 
would  be  needed,  these  noble  women  commenced 
their  long,  tedious  journey  of  nearly  two  hundred 
miles,  to  Charleston.  Having  arrived  there,  they 
sought  out  the  British  commander,  and  asked  per- 
mission to  go  on  board  the  prison-ship,  and  attend 
to  the  sick.  Inhuman  as  the  conduct  of  the  British 
had  been,  it  was  not  in  the  heart  of  man  to  refuse 
this  request,  and  it  was  granted.  The  stench  and 
filth  and  malignant  sickness  that  made  that  prison- 
ship  like  the  crowded  hold  of  a  slaver  in  the  horrors 
of  the  middle  passage,  could  not  repel  these  angels 
of  mercy  from  their  kindly  ministerings. 

But  Mrs.  Jackson,  weighed  down  with  her  heavy 
afflictions — having  just  risen  from  the  grave  of  one 
son,  and  the  sick  bed  of  another — ^was  not  in  a  con- 
dition to  combat  successfully  the  effects  of  the  putrid 
atmosphere  in  which  she  moved.  She  took  the 
fever  which  was  raging  among  the  prisoners,  sick- 
ened, and  died.  Stranger  hands  placed  her  in  an 
unknown  grave,  and  though  her  son,  in  after  years, 
could  not  do  honor  to  her  tomb,  her  memory  has 
been  enshi'ined  in  the  hearts  of  millions. 

Young  Andrew   was   now   alone   in   the   world. 


222  ANDEEW   JACKSON. 

Amid  the  utter  desolation  of  liis  father's  house,  the 
oi-phan  boy  stood  and  surveyed,  with  an  anxious 
heart,  the  world  before  him.  Through  what  scenes 
of  bloodshed,  cruelty,  oppression,  and  suffering ; 
through  what  grievous  afflictions  he  had  passed ! 
How  they  had  developed  his  character  and  matured 
his  mind  before  the  time  ;  so,  that  although  but  a 
boy  in  years,  he  was  a  man  in  thought,  energy,  reso- 
lution, and  resources. 

But  as  he  contemplated  the  devastation  that  had 
swept  his  home,  and  left  him  alone  in  the  world,  he 
remembered  the  hand  that  had  wi'ought  it  all.  His 
father  had  been  driven  from  the  land  of  his  nativity 
by  English  oppression ;  one  brother  had  died  on 
the  battle-field,  nobly  repelling  English  invasion; 
another  had  sunk  under  English  cruelty  and  barba- 
rity ;  and,  last  of  all,  the  mother  he  loved  more  than 
his  life,  had  fallen  a  victim  to  English  inhumanity, 
and  been  bui'ied  in  an  unknown,  imhonored  grave ; 
and  no  wonder  there  became  planted  in  his  heart  an 
inextinguishable  hatred  of  the  English  nation.  It 
had  run  up  a  long  and  bloody  score,  which,  with 
tlie  accumulated  interest  of  years,  that  orphan  boy 
was  yet  to  wipe  out  with  one  terrible  blow,  which 
should  cover  the  British  Isle  with  mournincr. 

After  the  death  of  his  mother,  he  went  to  live 
with  Major  Tliomas  Crawford,  and,  still  later,  en- 
tered the  family  of  Mr.  White,  an  uncle  of  Mrs. 


VISITS    CHAKLESTOX.  223 

Crawford.  Camden  having  been  evacuated  by  the 
enemy,  the  Waxhaw  settlers  were  left  unmolested. 
Many  of  the  vrealthiest  citizens  of  Charleston,  who 
fled  when  the  city  was  captured,  had  taken  up  their 
residence  at  Waxhaw,  with  whom  young  Jackson 
became  intimate.  This  led  to  habits  of  dissipation, 
and  he  soon  squandered  the  little  patrimony  left  by 
the  family.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  these  wealthy 
and  gay  companions  returned  to  Charleston.  Mount- 
ed on  a  splendid  horse,  the  last  of  his  property, 
Jackson  soon  followed  them,  to  seek  his  fortune. 
In  the  hotel  at  which  he  stopped,  he  found  some  of 
them  engaged  in  a  game  of  dice.  In  the  reckless- 
ness of  spirit,  which  had  characterized  him  since  he 
dej)arted  from  the  counsels  of  his  mother,  he  staked 
his  horse  against  a  sum  of  money,  and  won.  This 
sudden  stroke  of  good  fortune,  instead  of  intoxicat- 
ing him,  as  it  would  have  an  ordinary  character, 
sobered  him.  The  youthful  follies  to  which  all  are 
subject,  and  which,  in  his  case,  were  the  result  of 
his  lonely  condition,  and  the  excitement  they  fur- 
nished him,  were  suddenly  thrown  aside,  and  he  re- 
solved to  change  at  once  his  whole  course  of  life. 
Mounting  his  horse,  he  turned  his  head  homeward, 
a  wiser  and  a  better  youth.  That  long  journey  had 
not  been  in  vain,  for  it  had  reformed  him  ;  and, 
day  after  day,  as  he  rode  thoughtfully  towards 
home,  the  past  came  back  with  fresh  sorrow,  and  the 


224  AXDEEW   JACKSON. 

gentle  pressure  of  a  mother's  influence  was  felt  upon 
liis  heart,  and  he  resolved  to  devote  himself  to  the 
profession  to  which  in  his  infancy  she  had  dedicated 
him. 

But  after  continuing  his  studies  awhile,  he  changed 
his  mind,  and  adopted  the  legal  profession,  as  more 
congenial  to  his  tastes.  He  removed  to  Salisbury,  in 
his  native  State,  where,  in  the  winter  of  1TS6,  he  was 
admitted  to  the  bar.  At  this  time,  he  was  but  nine- 
teen years  of  age,  yet  by  his  energy,  good  conduct, 
and  superior  ability,  he  soon  won  the  confidence  and 
esteem  of  the  most  influential  men  of  the  State,  and 
two  years  after,  without  solicitation  on  his  part,  was 
appointed  by  the  Governor  solicitor  for  the  western 
district  of  Carolina,  now  the  State  of  Tennessee. 
Crossing  the  mountains  to  Jonesborough,  he  remained 
there  several  months.  He  then  visited  the  settle- 
ments on  the  Cumberland,  where  he  found  that  the 
debtors,  who  composed  a  large  portion  of  the  popula- 
tion, had  monopolized  the  services  of  the  only  lawyer 
in  their  district,  and  thus  tied  up  the  hands  of  their 
creditors.  Of  course,  the  latter  flocked  around  Jack- 
son, and  he  issued  seventy  writs  the  morning  after  his 
arrival.  The  rude  and  fierce  frontiers-men  did  not 
relish  this  interference  with  their  plans,  and  they 
threatened  him  with  personal  violence  if  he  did  not 
desist.  This  was  the  last  mode  to  be  adopted  sucoess- 
fully  against  such  a  man  as  Jackson,  and  he  deter- 


CONTEST  WITH  A  BULLY.  225 

mined  at  once  to  remain.  There  being  no  hotels  or 
boarding-houses  in  the  settlement,  he,  together  with 
Judge  Overton,  took  up  his  residence  in  the  family  of 
Mrs.  Donelson,  a  widow,  near  IS'ashville. 

The  animosity  which  his  arrival  had  excited  soon 
began  to  manifest  itself  in  attempts  to  embroil  him  in 
quarrels,  and  thus  drive  him  out  of  the  country.  Men 
who  dared  not  attack  the  young  Carolinian  them- 
selves, hired  bullies,  noted  for^their  physical  strength 
and  brute  courage,  to  do  it  for  them.  A  flax-breaker 
a  huge,  powerful  man,  of  whom  all  the  neighbor- 
hood stood  in  awe— was  first  set  upon  him.  Advanc- 
ing in  the  full  expectation  of  giving  the  young  lawyer 
a  sound  drubbing,  he  was  about  to  strike  him,  when 
the  latter,  whose  rapid  movements  and  almost  ferocity 
of  countenance  when  enraged,  took  the  sturdiest 
fioiiter  all  aback,  seized  the  bully's  winding-blades, 
that  lay  near,  and  beat  him  over  the  head  with  such 
violence  that  the  bruised  and  astonished  fellow  begged 
lustily  for  quarter.  He  expected  a  regular  fist-fight, 
and  not  such  a  fierce  and  murderous  attack. 

Xot  long  after  this,  while  he  was  attending  court 
in  Sumner  County,  a  noted  fighter,  whom  he  had 
never  seen  before,  deliberately  walked  up  to  him  and 
trod  on  his  feet.  Jackson  immediately  seized  a  slab 
that  lay  by  his  side,  and,  sending  the  end  full  against 
the  fellow's  breast,  bore  him  heavily  to  the  earth. 
The  crowd  standing  around    them  interfered   and 


226  AIs^DKEW    JACKSON. 

sei^arated  them.  But  tbe  baffled  and  enraged  bully 
rushed  to  the  fence,  and,  wrenching  out  a  stake,  came 
back  on  Jackson,  swearing  horribly,  and  threatening 
to  dash  out  his  brains.  The  crowd  again  attempted 
to  interfere,  when  Jackson  begged  them  to  keep 
aloof,  and  let  the  villain  come  on.  They  immediately 
drew  back  ;  when,  with  his  slab  poised  like  a  sj^ear, 
and  his  gleaming  eye  fixed  on  that  of  his  antagonist, 
he  fiercely  advanced  upon  him.  The  terrified  man 
gazed  for  a  moment  on  that  embodiment  of  wrath, 
then,  throwing  down  his  stake,  leaped  over  the  fence, 
and  ran  for  the  woods.  Physical  force  he  understood, 
and  had  been  accustomed  to  meet ;  but  a  human 
soul  on  fire  with  passion,  was  something  new,  and 
he  dared  not  meet  it.  It  was  mem  taming  a  brutehy 
his  eye.  Some  natures  are  capable  of  an  excitement 
that  would  paralyze  a  weak  man,  while  the  features 
transmit  the  passion  to  the  senses  with  such  vividness, 
that  the  beholder  recoils  from  the  expression  as  he 
would  from  a  blow.  Jackson  was  one  of  those  ;  and 
when  his  excited  soul  flashed  forth  on  his  face,  his 
brute  antagonist  forgot  the  slight  frame  before  him  ; 
— nay,  it  swelled  into  gigantic  proportions  in  his 
sight. 

These  efforts  to  intimidate  the  young  solicitor  were 
soon  abandoned  ;  for  they  found  that  the  intimidation 
came  from  the  other  side. 

Jackson's  business  at  this  time  often  required  his 


ESCAPES   THE    INDIANS.  227 

presence  in  Jonesborough,  two  Imndred  miles  dis- 
tant. The  only  road  to  the  place  was  but  a  half- 
beaten  path,  and  led,  most  of  the  way,  through  an 
unbroken  wilderness.  Sometimes  alone,  with  a  rifle, 
hunting-knife,  and  saddle-bags,  and  sometimes  with 
companions,  he  performed  this  tedious  journey,  which 
was  frequently  attended  with  great  peril.  Large 
bodies  of  Indians,  acknowledging  no  sovereignty  of 
the  white  man,  then  roamed  unmolested  the  vast 
forests  that  covered  the  fertile  plains  of  Tennessee  ; 
and  it  often  required  great  care  and  skill  to  avoid 
being  captured  by  them. 

On  one  occasion,  as  Jackson,  with  three  com- 
panions was  returning  from  Jonesborough,  he  reached 
one  night,  a  little  after  dark,  the  east  bank  of  the 
river  Emory.  Looking  across,  he  saw  on  the  opposite 
side  the  camp-fire  of  a  large  body  of  Indians.  Imme- 
diately drawing  back,  and  bidding  his  companions 
keep  silence,  he  directed  them  to  turn  up  stream,  and, 
leaving  the  road  in  different  places,  so  as  to  make 
three  different  trails,  hurry  on  as  fast  as  possible. 
They  proceeded  in  this  w^ay  for  some  time,  and  then 
reunited,  and  pushed  eagerly  forward  all  night  and 
next  day  till  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  At  length, 
arriving  at  a  point  in  the  river  where  the  current  was 
not  so  rapid,  Jackson  resolved  to  cross.  A  raft  of 
rough  logs  was  soon  constructed,  on  which  the  rifles, 
ammunition,  baggage,  &c.,  were  placed.    Jackson, 


228  A^^DEEW   JACESO!?. 

with  one  of  his  companions,  was  first  to  carry  these 
across,  and  then  return  for  the  horses.  -  The  place  he 
had  selected  was  just  below  the  foot  of  one  cataract, 
and  near  the  brink  of  another.  But  no  sooner  was 
the  raft  pushed  adrift  than  it  swept  rapidly  down 
stream,  with  a  force  the  two  navigators  strove  in  vain 
to  check.  Finding  they  were  driving  steadily  towards 
the  brink  of  the  cataract,  Jackson  wrenched  loose  one 
of  the  long  rude  oars  he  had  constructed,  and,  rush- 
ing to  the  stern,  reached  one  end  to  the  bank,  down 
which  his  terrified  companions  were  running,  and 
bade  them  seize  and  pull  with  all  their  might.  They 
did  so  ;  and  the  raft  struck  the  shore  just  as  it  was 
entering  on  the  rapids  above  the  waterfall.  On  being 
reproved  by  his  companions  for  his  carelessness,  Jack- 
son smiled,  and  rej)lied  :  "  A  miss  is  as  good  as  a 
mile.  You  see  how  near  I  can  graze  danger.  Come 
On  : — I  will  save  you  yet." 

They  continued  on  up  stream,  and  next  day,  cross- 
ing at  a  ford,  reached  Nashville  in  safety. 

At  another  time,  he  appointed  a  rendezvous  with 
a  party  with  whom  he  was  to  cross  the  wilderness ; 
but  being  delayed  by  business,  he  did  not  arrive  at 
the  place  till  they  had  been  gone  nearly  a  day.  Ee- 
solved,  however,  not  to  be  left  behind,  he  took  with 
him  a  guide  and  travelled  all  night,  and  early  in  the 
morning  came  upon  the  smouldering  camp  fires 
around  which  they  had  slept.     He  w^as  still  pressing 


PURSCED    BY    INDIANS.  229 

forward,  wlieii  sucldenlj  lie  discovered  the  trail  of 
quite  a  body  of  Indians,  evidently  in  pursuit  of  liis 
tinsusj)ecting  friends  aliead.  Xotliing  daunted,  lie 
kept  on  till  he  had  nearly  overtaken  the  savages. 
Tlie  guide  then  became  alarmed,  and  refused  to  pro- 
ceed further.  Jackson  coolly  divided  his  provisions 
with  him,  and  told  him  to  return.  Resolved  that 
his  fellow-travellers  sliould  not  perish  while  there 
remained  the  least  chance  of  his  warning  them  of 
their  danger,  ne  continued  cautiously  to  advance,  re- 
volving a  thousand  schemes  how  he  should  circum- 
vent the  savages.  Presently  he  saw  the  trail  turn 
off  to  the  right.  It  flashed  over  him  at  once  that 
they  were  endeavoring  to  get  in  advance,  and  lay  in 
ambush  for  the  unsuspecting  party.  He  immedi- 
ately gave  spurs  to  his  horse,  and  at  length,  a  little 
before  dark,  came  in  sight  of  his  friends  encamped 
on  the  opposite  bank  of  a  deep  and  half-frozen 
stream.  Their  fires  were  already  kindled  for  the 
night,  and  their  clothes  and  baggage  spread  out  to 
dry.  As  they  heard  the  j)lashing  of  his  horse  in 
the  water,  they  sprang  to  their  feet  in  alarm  ;  but 
at  sight  of  the  intrej)id  young  Carolinian,  a  joyful 
shout  of  welcome  went  up  from  the  whole  camp. 
Tlie  tidings  he  brought,  however,  soon  dissij)ated 
their  gladness ;  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  horses 
w^ere  re-saddled,  and  the  whole  party  was  straining 
forward  through  the  wilderness.  Tliey  kej^t  on  all 
12 


230  AXDEEW   JACKSON. 

niglit  witliout  halting,  and  when  daylight  appeared, 
urged  their  jaded  beasts  to  still  greater  speed.  The 
day,  however,  was  almost  as  gloomy  as  the  night ; 
the  sky  was  overcast ;  not  a  breath  of  air  distm-bed 
the  lofty  tree-tops  nnder  which  they  passed,  and  that 
ominous  silence  which  precedes  a  storm  brooded  over 
the  solitude. 

At  length  the  welcome  sight  of  the  log  cabins  of 
some  hunters  met  their  view,  and  they  felt  that  pro- 
tection from  the  Indians,  and  shelter  from  the  ap- 
proaching storm,  were  at  last  before  them ;  but  to 
their  surprise  and  grief,  and  Jackson's  indignation, 
both  were  refused  them,  and  they  were  compelled  to 
push  on,  and  bivouac  in  the  forest.  Jackson,  who 
had  not  slept  for  two  nights,  ^vi*apped  his  blanket 
around  him,  and  throwing  himself  on  the  ground, 
was  soon  fast  asleep.  Soon  after,  the  snow  began  to 
descend,  silent  and  soft,  on  the  sleepers,  and  when 
the  young  solicitor  opened  his  eyes  in  the  morning, 
he  found  himself  covered  six  inches  deep. 

The  Indians,  w^hen  they  discovered  they  had  been 
baffled  in  their  attempt  to  get  in  advance,  pressed 
forward  in  pursuit,  till  they  arrived  at  the  cabins  of 
the  hunters,  who  had  ti-eated  Jackson  and  his  party 
so  churlishly.  Being  met  with  the  same  inhos- 
pitality,  a  fight  ensued,  and  the  hunters  were  all 
massacred. 

In  these  trips  from  ]S"ashville  to  Jonesborough, 


Ills   CHIVALRY.  231 

Jackson's  courage  and  presence  of  mind  were  con- 
stantly put  to  the  proof,  and  lie  went  tlirougli  an  ex- 
cellent training  for  Lis  after  career  in  the  war  with 
the  Creeks. 

At  this  time  he  was  in  the  full  bloom  of  youth. 
Athletic,  fearless,  impetuous ;  filled  wdth  chivalric 
feeling  ;  ever  ready  to  succor  the  needy,  his  reputa- 
tion spread  far  and  wide  among  the  settlers.  If  a 
band  of  needy  emigrants  from  the  eastern  sloj)e  re- 
quired assistance  on  their  way,  he  was  the  first  to 
volunteer  to  go  to  their  aid ;  and  if  an  expedition 
was  fitted  out  against  a  tribe  of  marauding  Indians, 
he  was  the  first  to  the  rendezvous,  and  first  in  the 
assault  on  the  hostile  towns.  The  savages  feared 
him,  and  gave  him  the  name  of  "  Sharp  Knife " 
and  "  Pointed  Arrow." 

On  one  occasion  he  was  accompanying  a  party  of 
travellers  from  l^ashville  to  Lexington,  among  whom 
was  a  lady  going  to  join  her  husband.  The  inter- 
vening country  was  then  a  wilderness,  which  ren- 
dered it  dangerous  to  travel  except  in  parties  of  some 
size.  Tlie  second  night  after  they  had  started,  the 
lady  was  taken  so  unwell  that  in  the  morning  she 
was  unable  to  proceed.  The  party,  however,  had  no 
idea  of  stopping  there  till  she  recovered,  and  were 
preparing  to  depart  without  her.  Jackson  remon- 
strated with  them  against  the  brutality  of  leaving  a 
woman  unprotected  in  the  wilderness.     A  son,  who 


232  ANDEEW   JACKSON. 

had  been  nui-tured  by  such  a  mother  as  watched 
\  over  his  childhood^  would  never  desert  a  woman  in 
distress  thougli  a  thousand  deaths  stared  him  in  the 
face.  To  his  amazement,  his  appeals  were  received 
with  cool  indifference  or  silent  contempt ;  and  by 
their  conduct  thev  plainly  told  him  he  had  better 
mind  his  own  business.  Tlie  whole  nature  of  Jack- 
son was  suddenly  aroused  ;  his  eye  flashed  fire,  and 
seizing  his  riflcj  he  levelled  it,  swearing  that  he 
would  shoot  dead  the  first  man  who  dared  set  foot 
in  stirrup.  Every  feature  of  his  countenance  ex- 
pressed the  determination  of  his  heart,  and  his  well- 
kno'^Ti  character  forbade  trifling.  They  then  con- 
sented to  remain  a  day,  at  the  end  of  which  time 
the  lady  was  able  to  proceed. 

At  this  period  of  his  life,  an  event  occurred  which 
caused  considerable  excitement  at  the  time,  and 
many  years  after  was  the  fruitful  source  of  much 
slander  and  abuse.  Mrs.  Donelson,  with  whom 
Jackson  boarded,  had  a  daughter  distinguished  for 
her  beauty  of  person,  and  engaging  manners.  She 
had  married  a  Mr.  Robards,  whose  character  proved 
to  be  worthless  and  vile.  After  bearing  patiently, 
for  a  long  time,  his  violent  outbursts  of  temper,  and 
made  to  suffer  from  his  vicious  course  of  life,  she 
left  him,  and  returned  to  her  mother.  Jackson  and 
Judge  Overton  occupied  a  cabin  by  themselves,  but 
took  their  meals  with  the  family  of  Mrs.  Donelson. 


JEALOUSY    OF   EOBARDS.  233 

It  was,  tlierefore,  natural  and  proper,  that  Jackson, 
then  a  young  man,  shoukl  become  charmed  witli  tlie 
society  of  Mrs.  Robards.  A  reconciliation  having 
been  effected  by  Judge  Overton,  between  her  and 
lier  husband,  the  latter  came  to  Nashville,  and 
prepared  to  settle  down  as  a  farmer.  His  jealousy, 
however,  was  soon  aroused  by  the  intimacy  that  ex- 
isted between  Jackson  and  his  w^fe,  and  caused 
much  unha23piness  in  the  family.  Jackson  being 
informed  of  it,  changed  his  boarding  place,  hoping 
by  this  means,  to  allay  the  excitement.  The  state 
of  things,  however,  not  improving,  he  went  frankly 
to  Mr.  Robards,  and  remonstrated  with  him  on  his 
causeless  jealousy.  But  nothing  could  satisfy  the 
suspicious  husband,  and  he  abruptly  left,  declaring 
he  should  never  return.  Mrs.  Robards,  indignant 
at  the  treatment  she  had  received,  and  the  implica- 
tion cast  upon  her  character,  resolved  that  the  separa- 
tion should  be  final.  Not  long  after,  being  informed 
that  he  intended  to  return,  and  take  her  to  Kentucky, 
she  determined  to  accompany  Colonel  Stark,  an 
elderly  gentleman,  and  his  family  to  Natchez,  in 
order  to  avoid  him.  The  colonel,  fearful  of  the  In- 
dians, requested  Jackson  to  pilot  him  through  the 
wilderness.  As  the  latter  was  almost  constantly 
called  upon  to  perform  this  duty  for  other  travellers 
and  emigrants,  he  did  not  see  why  he  should  refuse 
in  this  case,  and  he  therefore  accompanied  them. 


234  ANDKEW   JACKSON. 

This  was  unwise,  and  strengthened  the  suspicions 
that  had  ah'cady  been  whispered  about.  There  is 
no  doubt  that  he  felt  the  attraction  of  a  young  and 
fascinating  woman,  and  it  is  very  probable  she  pre- 
ferred the  high-minded,  chivalric  Jackson,  to  her 
own  vicious,  cruel,  and  heartless  husband.  She 
ought  to  have  done  so  at  all  events,  but  there  was 
never  the  shadow  of  proof  of  criminality,  and  it 
would  not  have  been  safe  for  any  one  to  have  said 
so  openly  within  a  hundred  miles  of  where  Jackson 
lived. 

Eobards  being  confirmed  in  his  suspicions,  by  this 
departure  of  his  wife  under  the  protection  of  Jack- 
son, applied  to  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  for  a 
divorce, — at  least  such  was  the  report, — and  Jackson, 
on  his  return  to  ISTashville,  was  told  that  the  appeal 
had  been  granted.  Hesolved  at  once  to  vindicate 
the  character  of  an  injured  lady,  from  the  aspersion 
this  divorce  cast  upon  it,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
show  the  high  estimation  in  which  he  held  her, — ■ 
prompted,  no  doubt,  too,  by  his  feelings — he  imme- 
diately returned  to  Xatchez,  and  oflered  himself  to 
her.  At  first  she  refused  him,  but  afterwards,  over- 
come by  his  importunity  and  ardor,  she  relented, 
and  they  were  married  in  the  fall.  To  some  the 
marriage  was  damning  proof  of  guilt,  while  others 
saw  in  it  the  evidence  of  an  attachment  which  had 
never  been  sullied  by  any  outward  improper  act. 


MAEKIES    MES.    EOBAUDS.  235 

It  was  one  of  those  iinfortimate  occurrences  wliich 
would  be  misconstrued,  whatever  the  termination 
might  be. 

But  there  was  another  feature  in  this  affair  which 
chagrined  Jackson  much.  On  his  return  with  the 
bride  to  J^ashville,  he  discovered  that  the  act  which 
had  passed  the  Virginia  legislature,  was  simply  one 
granting  permission  to  bring  a  suit  for  divorce  in 
Kentucky,  and  not  a  hill  of  divorce.  He  had  mar- 
ried the  wife  of  another  man,  to  whom  she  was 
still  bound  by  her  marital  vows.  Luckily  for  him, 
however,  the  suit  which  had  been  brought  in  Ken- 
tucky just  then  terminated  in  favor  of  Kobards,  and 
the  divorced  wife  was  free.  Jackson  immediately 
took  out  a  license,  and  was  married  over  again. 

Thus  ended  an  affair  which  has  since  been  so  much 
distorted.  The  results  to  Jackson  were  of  the  hap- 
piest kind.  The  meek  and  gentle  nature  of  his  wife 
was  just  adapted  to  his  impetuous,  stormy,  and  yet 
frank  and  generous  spirit,  and  they  lived  long  and 
happily  together. 

ITotwithstanding  the  scandal  and  excitement  which 
this  affair  had  created,  Jackson  continued  to  increase 
in  popularity  and  influence.  Tennessee  had  been 
set  off  into  a  territory,  of  which  he  was  appointed 
attorney-general.  In  1796,  when  it  was  erected  into 
a  state,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  convention 
to  frame  a  constitution.   The  next  year  he  w^as  chosen 


230  ANDRKW    JACKSOX. 

representative  of  Congress,  and  tlie  year  after,  sena- 
tor of  the  United  States.  He  took  his  seat  in  Xo- 
vember,  but  the  following  April,  asked  leave  of 
absence,  and  returned  home.  Soon  after,  he  sent  in 
his  resignation  to  the  Legislature,  which  immediately 
api^ointed  him  Supreme  Judge  of  the  State,  an  ap- 
pointment which  he  had  not  solicited,  and  which  he 
accepted  with  gTeat  reluctance.  He  distrusted  his 
o\vn  abilities  for  such  a  station,  being  then  but 
thirty-one  years  of  age.  But,  however  much  he 
might  be  w^anting  in  experience,  he  possessed  some 
qualities  exactly  adapted  to  the  rude  and  lawless 
inhabitants  of  the  frontiers.  One  thing  was  certain, 
that  law  in  his  hands  would  not  be  a  mere  bit  of 
parchment,  nor  its  decisions  allowed  to  be  disre- 
garded. This  w^as  of  vital  importance  in  a  new 
country,  where  threats  and  violence  often  turned 
aside  the  course  of  justice,  and  weakened  respect  for 
the  mandates  of  law. 

His  first  court  was  held  in  Jonesborough,  wliere 
his  executiveness  was  strikingly  developed.  Among 
other  cases  to  be  tried,  was  that  of  a  ruffianl}^  fellow, 
named  Russell  Bean,  who,  in  a  drunken  fit,  had  cut 
ofi"  the  ears  of  his  infant  child.  He  w^as  a  powerful, 
ferocious  villian,  and  disdaining  to  flee,  proudly  pa- 
raded the  court-yard,  daring  the  sheriff  to  seize  him. 
The  latter,  fearing  to  approach  him,  reported  in  court 
that  "E-ussell  Bean  w^ould  not  be  taken."     Judge 


DARING    ARREST.  237 

Jackson,  with  an  emphasis  now  seldom  used  in  com-t, 
rebuked  the  sheriff,  and  peremptorily  ordered  the 
arrest  to  be  made,  and  if  necessary  to  "  summon  the 
2)osse  comitatusP 

Soon  after,  the  court  adjourned  for  dinner ;  and, 
in  the  meantime,  the  sheriff  summoned  his  ^^ i^osse 
comitatus^^  and  among  them  the  judges  themselves. 
The  sheriff,  doubtless,  thought  that  they  would  re- 
fuse to  obey  the  summons,  and  he  would  thus 'avoid 
the  danger  of  attempting  to  arrest  this  armed  and 
des]3erate  man.  He,  however,  very  much  miscalcu- 
lated as  to  one  of  the  judges  ;  for  Jackson,  when  the 
sheriff  had  finished  reading  his  summons,  coolly  re- 
plied, "  Very  well,  sir,  I  will  attend  you,  and  see 
that  yoii^  do  your  dutyP 

Taking  up  a  loaded  pistol,  he  walked  to  the  court- 
yard, where  Bean  stood,  with  a  brace  of  pistols  in 
his  hands,  and  a  dirk  in  his  bosom.  Fixing  his  eye 
on  him,  he  said  to  the  sheriff,  "  Advance  and  arrest 
him ;  I  will  protect  you  from  harm."  Bean,  how- 
ever, firmly  stood  his  ground  ;  the  sheriff  hesitated, 
not  liking  the  prospect  of  a  ball  through  his  body. 
Jackson  observing  the  cowardice  of  the  sheriff, 
sternly  advanced  upon  Bean,  when  the  latter  began 
to  reti-eat.  "  Stop,"  thundered  Jackson,  "  and  sub- 
mit to  the  law."  Tlie  bold  borderer  instantly  threw 
down  his  pistols,  exclaiming,  "I  will  surrender  to 
you,  sir,  but  to  no  one  else."     Jackson  might  have 


238  AXDEEW   JACESOX. 

spared  himself  the  trouble  of  evokmg  the  majesty 
of  the  law ;  it  was  not  the  law  the  fellow  was  afraid 
of,  but  the  man^  who  was  never  known  to  flinch  from 
danger,  or  turn  back  from  his  purpose. 

"With  such  a  representative,  law  soon  became 
an  object  of  fear,  and  the  turbulent  spirits  that  had 
heretofore  defied  its  power,  were  tamed  into  submis- 
sion. 

This  sudden,  yet  firm  decision  was  one  of  Jack- 
son's peculiar  characteristics.  Men  who  make  up 
their  minds  on  the  issue  of  the  moment,  are  apt  to 
hesitate  in  a  crisis  which  includes  life  and  death. 
Kot  so  with  Jackson.  His  mobile  nature  was  easily 
flung  into  a  tumult  of  excitement ;  but  when  there, 
it  became  rigid  as  iron.  Quick  to  decide,  action 
followed  decision,  as  the  bolt  follows  the  lightning's 
flash. 

He  possessed  another  peculiarity  not  commonly 
found  among  men.  His  excitements,  though  so  high 
and  terrible,  were  not  transient  gleams  ;  but  perma- 
nent as  the  object  that  created  them.  A  less  hardy 
frame  would  have  sunk  under  them. 

In  1803,  a  difficulty  occurred  between  him  and 
Governor  Sevier,  who  was  candidate  for  re-election. 
The  quarrel  was  taken  up  by  Sevier's  political  friends, 
and  many  threats  of  vengeance  were  uttered  against 
Jackson.  Tliis  feeling  was  very  strong  in  Jonesbo- 
rough,  and  when  in  the  fall  he  proceeded  thither  to 


ATTACKED    UY    A    MOB.  239 

liokl  Ills  regular  court,  a  mob  was  organized,  witli 
Colonel  Harrison  at  its  head,  to  tar  and  feather  him. 
Jackson  having  been  taken  sick  on  the  way,  arrived 
with  a  high  fever  upon  him ;  and,  scarcely  able  to 
dismount,  retired  to  his  room,  and  flung  himself  upon 
the  bed.  In  a  short  time,  the  mob  being  notified  of 
his  arrival,  assembled  round  the  tavern.     Beino-  told 

CD 

the  object  of  their  assembling,  Jackson  arose,  and 
throwing  open  his  door,  said  to  a  friend,  "  Give  my 
compliments  to  Colonel  Harrison,  and  tell  him  my 
door  is  open  to  receive  him  and  his  regiment  when- 
ever they  choose  to  wait  upon  me ;  and  I  hope  the 
colonel's  chivalry  will  induce  him  to  lead  his  men, 
not  follow  them."  The  hint  was  understood  ;  every 
individual  of  that  mob  well  knew  that  the  floor  of 
that  chamber  would  swim  in  blood  with  the  first  at- 
tempt to  cross  the  threshold,  of  the  open  door.  :N'o 
one  liking  to  be  the  first  to  encounter  Jackson,  the 
crowd  quietly  dispersed.  Harrison  apologised  for 
his  rudeness,  and  ever  after  by  his  attachment  evinced 
his  regret. 

But  not  long  after,  while  holding  court  at  Knox- 
ville,  Jackson  came  in  collision  with  Sevier  himself 
Leaving  the  court-room  one  day,  he  found  the  gover- 
nor in  front  of  the  building,  haranguing  in  an  excited 
manner  a  crowd  of  men,  and  swinging  his  naked 
Bword  about  as  if  cutting  ofl'  the  heads  of  imaginary 
foes.     ISTo  sooner  did  the  latter  observe  Jackson  ap- 


240  AXDEEW    JACKSOX. 

proaching  than  lie  turned  fiercely  uj)on  liim,  and 
addi'essed  liim  with  oaths  and  insults.  Tlie  latter 
retorted,  and  a  fierce  fight  of  words  ensued.  Tlie 
result  of  it  was,  Jackson  sent  the  governor  a  chal- 
lenge, which  he  accej^ted,  but  deferred  the  time  of 
meeting  so  often,  that  the  former  at  length  published 
him  as  a  coward.  Tliis  brought  things  apparently 
to  a  crisis,  and  an  informal  meeting  was  agreed  on, 
just  over  the  Indian  boundary.  Jackson  repaired  to 
the  place,  and  waited  two  days  for  his  opponent. 
He  then  wrote  a  letter,  stating  the  nature  and  ground 
of  the  quarrel,  and  set  out  for  Knoxville,  determined 
that  it  should  be  adjusted  in  some  way  or  other.  He 
had  not  proceeded  far,  however,  when  he  met  the 
governor,  accompanied  by  twenty  men,  on  horse- 
back. Halting  in  front  of  this  formidable  array,  he 
sent  forward  his  friend  with  the  letter  he  had  pre- 
pared. The  governor  refused  to  receive  it,  which 
threw  Jackson  into  a  paroxysm  of  passion.  Tlie  for- 
mer was  armed  with  a  brace  of  pistols  and  a  sword ; 
Jackson  also  had  a  pair  of  pistols  in  his  holsters,  but 
without  thinking  of  these  more  deadly  w^eapons,  he 
no  sooner  saw  the  letter  returned,  and  heard  the  in- 
sult that  accompanied  it,  than  he  set  his  cane,  which 
he  held  in  his  hand  in  rest,  and  plunging  the  spurs 
into  his  horse,  dashed  full  on  the  governor  and  his 
band.  The  company  parted  to  the  right  and  left  in 
dismay,  and  the    astounded    governor,  seeing  the 


BECOMES    A    FARRIER.  241 

maddened  steed  riisliing  full  upon  liim,  leaped  from 
tlie  saddle  to  avoid  the  shock.  In  doing  so,  he  trod 
on  his  scabbard  and  stumbled.  In  a  moment  Jack- 
son was  upon  him,  and  but  for  the  interposition  of 
friends  would  have  punished  him  severely. 

This  ended  the  duel,  and  the  parties  separated,  if 
not  good  friends,  at  least  peaceable  enemies. 

The  next  year  Jackson  resigned  his  judgeship, 
and,  tired  of  the  turmoil  and  vexations  of  public  life, 
bought  a  farm  ten  miles  from  Nashville,  on  the 
Cumberland  River,  and  devoted  himself  to  agricul- 
tural pm-suits.  Beloved  by  his  neighbors — rever- 
enced for  his  integrity,  decision,  and  kindness — 
blessed  wdth  a  w^ife  who  filled  his  home  with  sun- 
light, he  passed  his  days  serenely,  and  coveted  no 
higher  honor  than  that  of  a  successful  farmer.  Early 
in  the  morning  he  was  out  on  his  farni,  looking  at 
his  stock  and  superintending  the  laborers,  and 
evening  fonnd  him  enjoying  the  sweets  of  domestic 
comfort.  lie  took  more  pride  in  his  stock  than  in 
his  crops,  and  had  an  especial  passion  for  horses. 
Xor  was  this  strange  ;  he  had  scarcely  been  off  the 
back  of  one  since  he  was  thirteen  years  old.  The 
horse  had  been  his  companion  in  long  and  perilous 
marches,  and  often  the  only  one,  for  days  together, 
in  the  boundless  forest.  To  his  sure  feet  and  cour- 
age he  had  more  than  once  been  indebted  for  his 
life,  both  on  the  mountain  side  and  in  breasting  the 


242  ANDREW    JACKSOX. 

rapid  stream.  For  fortj-eiglit  hours  on  a  stretcli, 
without  food  or  rest,  his  noble  steed  had  borne  him, 
when  hard  beset,  and  no  wonder  he  became  attached 
to  him.  He  delighted  in  blooded  animals,  and  im- 
ported many  from  Korth  Carolina  and  Virginia. 
This  naturally  led  to  trials  of  speed  and  bottom  on  the 
race-course,  where  large  sums  often  changed  hands. 
This  custom,  so  beneficial  in  improving  the  breed 
of  horses,  but  so  pernicious  to  the  morals  of  men, 
led  to  one  of  the  most  painful  events  of  Jackson's 
life.  He  had  a  favorite  horse  named  Truxton,  dis- 
tinguished for  his  speed  and  endurance.  A  match 
was  made  between  him  and  a  horse  owned  by  a  Mr. 
Erwin  and  his  son-in-law  Charles  Dickinson,  of  two 
thousand  dollars,  with  a  forfeiture  of  eight  hundred 
dollars,  in  case  of  the  withdrawal  of  either  party. 
On  the  course,  Mr.  Erwin  and  his  son-in-law  with- 
drew their  horse,  and  offered  to  j^ay  the  forfeit.  The 
notes  tendered,  however,  were  not  cash  notes,  and 
Jackson  refused  to  receive  them,  claiming  the  right 
to  select  from  the  list  in  the  hands  of  the  stake- 
holder. This  was  granted,  the  payment  received, 
and  the  affair  settled.  'Not  long  after,  however, 
Dickinson  was  told  that  Jackson  had  accused  his 
father-in-law  of  producing  a  fcdse  list.  This  the 
latter  denied,  when  the  author's  name  was  given. 
It  was  then  proposed  to  call  him  in,  but  Dickinson 
would  not  consent.     Jackson,  meeting  the  slanderer 


DUEL   WITH   DICKINSON.  243 

not  long  afterwards,  gave  liim  tlie  lie,  and  a  fist- 
figlit  followed. 

Notwithstanding  all  this,  either  through  the  reck- 
lessness of  Dickinson,  who  was  a  loose  character,  a 
trader  in  blacks  and  horses,  and  a  professed  duellist, 
or,  through  the   persuasion  of  Jackson's  enemies, 
w^ho  thought  this  an  opportunity  of  getting  rid  of  a 
man  they  feared  and  hated,  not  to  be  omitted,  the 
quarrel  was  kept  alive.   Severe  and  insulting  letters 
were  published  in  the  papers,  and  language  used 
which  exasperated  both  parties  to  the  highest  de- 
gree.   At  length,  Jackson  was  informed  that  a  letter, 
charging  him  among  other  things  with  cowardice, 
w^as  in  the  hands  of  an  editor.     He  immediately 
mounted  his  horse,  and  in  a  tempest  of  passion  rode 
to  Nashville,  and  demanded  a  sight  of  it.     Finding 
his  information  correct,  he  sent  Dickinson  a  fierce 
challenge,  and  insisted  on  an  immediate  meeting. 
The  latter,  however,  deferred  it  for  a  week,  and 
spent  the  intermediate  time  in  practising  at  Jack- 
son's figure   chalked   out   on   a  board.     This   was 
hardly  necessary,  for  he  w^as  a  dead  shot,  and  was 
certain  to  hit  his  antagonist   if  he  fired.     It  was 
arranged  that  they  should  stand  back  to  back,  move 
off  a  certain  distance,  wheel,  and  then  approach  and 
fire  as  soon  or  as  late  as  either  party  chose.   Dickin- 
son had  insisted  on  this  mode  of  fighting,  so  as  to 
get  the  first  fire,  or  call  forth  Jackson's  before  he 


2ii  ANDREW    JACKSON. 

had  approached  sufficiently  near  to  make  it  danger- 
ous. His  own  practice  had  been  perfect,  and  he 
knew  he  could  strike  his  antagonist  at  a  distance 
the  latter  would  scarcely  attempt  to  fire  if  he  kept 
cool.  Jackson  understood  this  manoeuvre,  and  had 
made  up  his  mind  to  be  shot.  He  wore  a  frock  coat 
on  the  field,  which  he  threw  back  over  his  shoulders. 
At  the  word  given  they  walked  away,  wdieeled,  and 
advanced  tow^ards  each  other.  Soon  after,  Dickin- 
son fired.  Jackson  staggered  a  moment  as  he  felt 
the  ball  enter  him,  but  the  next  moment  he  drew 
his  coat  around  bim  to  staunch  the  blood,  and  walk- 
ing deliberately  up  to  his  foe,  shot  him  dead.  It 
was  a  bloody  deed,  and  though  sanctioned  by  the 
custom  of  the  times,  to  which  so  many  of  our  best 
men  have  fallen  victims,  it  was  a  crime  for  wdiich 
no  apology  should  be  oftered.  By  nature  Jackson 
was  a  man  of  terrible  passions,  and  in  this  instance 
they  had  been  aroused  into  tenfold  fury,  by  the  in- 
justice that  refused  the  reconciliation  he  sought, 
and  by  the  conviction  that  a  sense  of  injury  did  not 
lay  at  the  bottom  of  the  quarrel,  but  the  deliberate 
desire  and  determination  to  take  his  life.  The 
friends  of  Dickinson  were  resolved  to  provoke  him, 
60  that  he  must  challenge  his  adversary  or  leave  the 
country,  and  thus  give  to  the  latter  the  choice  of  time 
and  mode  of  meeting.  The  plan  was  well  laid  and 
succeeded  perfectly  in  every  respect,  except  that  the 


HIS    FAILURE.  .    245 

ball  did  not  happen  to  reach  a  vital  spot.  It  entered 
the  breast,  shattered  two  of  his  ribs,  then  lodged  in 
his  side,  where  it  remained  for  years.  He,  however, 
mounted  his  horse  and  rode  twenty  miles  before  his 
second  discovered  that  he  had  been  shot,  and  tJien 
only  bj:  seeing  the  blood  ooze  from  his  garments.  He 
must  have  been  in  an  extraordinary  state  of  mind,  to 
have  borne  all  this  in  silence  so  long.  Were  his 
thoughts  busy  with  the  man  he  had  slain  ?  Had  he 
left  his  fierce  hate  on  the  field  where  his  enemy  lay 
weltering  in  his  gore,  and  was  remorse  now  gnawing 
at  his  heart,  and  conscience  whispering  in  his  ear, 
"  You  will  meet  that  foe  again  beyond  the  tomb?" 

There  were  rumors  of  unfairness  in  the  fight,  &c. ; 
but  these  died  away,  and  men  spoke  in  astonishment 
of  the  steadiness  of  nerve  which  so  severe  and  painful 
a  wound  could  not  even  for  a  moment  shake. 

Jackson,  after  some  weeks,  resumed  his  agricul- 
tural j)ursuits,  and  not  long  after  entered  as  silent 
partner  in  a  mercantile  house  in  Nashville.  Placing 
entire  confidence  in  his  partner,  he  trusted  everything 
to  his  sagacity  and  honesty.  Things  w-ent  on  smooth- 
ly for  awhile;  but  at  length  it  was  discovered  that 
the  house  was  insolvent.  It  could  not  pay  its  debts 
by  some  thousands  of  dollars.  The  concern  was 
closed  at  once,  and  Jackson,  with  that  high  sense  of 
honor  and  justice,  which  had  so  often  entangled 
him  in  quarrels   among  lawless  men,  immediately 


246  ANDREW    JACKSON. 

sold  his  fine  plantation  on  tlie  Cumberland,  parted 
with  his  favorite  stock,  paid  ofi'  the  debts  of  the 
house  to  the  last  cent,  and  retired  to  a  log  cabin  to 
begin  the  world  anew. 

Prompt  to  redress  the  wrongs  of  others  as  well  as 
his  own,  he  won  the  esteem  of  all  upright  men.  Such 
a  man  is  not  to  be  measured  by  ordinary  rules.  A 
positive  executive  character  like  his  must  be  ave- 
raged to  be  treated  justly.  Impelled  by  passion,  he 
may  at  times  commit  deeds  on  which  the  staid  mor- 
alist looks  with  horror  ;  but  it  must  be  remembered, 
too,  that  he  would  breast  danger,  venture  his  life  for 
others,  and  undergo  privations,  toils,  and  sufferings, 
from  which  that  same  moralist  would  shrink  in 
affright.  The  good  in  such  a  man  must  be  made  to 
balance  the  bad.  The  departures  from  the  common 
track  of  life  from  1)0111  sides  must  be  taken,  before 
the  balance  against  him  is  struck.  He  must  be 
credited  as  well  as  charged  vn  the  book  of  common 
morals  before  one  is  able  to  decide  how  he  stands. 
This  is  the  only  just  rule,  and  by  it  Jackson  would 
stand  head  and  shoulders  above  most  of  those  who 
have  condemned  him. 

By  his  industry  and  perseverance,  he  soon  recov- 
ered from  his  embarrassments,  and  became  a  flour- 
ishing farmer  again.  Having  occasion  to  go  to  Nat- 
chez after  some  blacl<s  for  his  plantation,  he  found  at 
the  station  of  the  United  States'  agent,  among  the 


DEFENDS    THE   WRONGED.  247 

Choctaws,  by  which  his  road  i3assed,  several  fiimilies 
of  emigrants  detained  because  they  had  no  passports 
from  the  governor  of  Mississippi.  In  the  meantime, 
the  agent  was  selling  them  provisions  at  an  exorbi- 
tant price,  and  making  them  work  for  him  at  a  very 
low  one.  Indignant  at  this  outrage,  he  demanded  of 
the  agent  how  he  dared  thus  to  arrest  a  free  Ameri- 
can on  the  public  road.  Taking  the  matter  in  his 
own  hands,  he  told  the  frightened  emigrants  to  gear 
up  their  teams,  and  follow  him.  The  agent  fumed 
and  threatened ;  but  seeing  Jackson  well  armed, 
dared  not  interfere.  He,  however,  determined  to  be 
revenged  on  the  latter  when  he  returned,  and  armed 
some  fifty  men  to  arrest  him,  unless  he  came  forti- 
fied with  a  passport.  Jackson  heard  of  this,  and  his 
friends  advised  him  to  procure  one  ;  but  he  indig- 
nantly refused,  declaring  it  was  a  humiliation  no 
American  freeman  should  submit  to.  Arming  his 
negroes  with  axes  and  clubs,  while  he  himself  car- 
ried a  loaded  rifie  and  two  pistols  at  his  saddle-bow, 
he  approached  the  station.  The  agent  came  forth, 
and  asked  if  he  intended  to  show  his  passport. 
"  That  depends  on  circumstances^'^  replied  Jackson, 
as  he  carelessly  swung  his  rifle  so  as  to  bring  the 
muzzle  where  it  could  look  the  agent  full  in  the 
face.  The  latter  understood  what  circumstances, 
and  the  kind  of  passport  alluded  to,  and  wisely  let 
him  pass  on. 


248  ANDREW    JACKSON. 

He  afterwards  reported  tlie  agent  to  tlie  govern- 
ment, and  the  latter  was  removed.  Ilis  hatred  ol 
"wrong  and  oppression  was  intense,  and  though  his 
way  of  defending  the  injured  was  not  always  strictly 
legal,  it  must  be  remembered  that  no  other  mode 
of  redress  was  open  to  him. 

Jackson  had  scarcely  reached  home,  when  he  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Governor  Carroll,  requesting 
him  to  act  as  second,  in  a  duel  between  him  and  a 
brother  of  Colonel  Benton.-  He  could  not  well  re- 
fuse him,  but  Colonel  Benton,  who  was  also  intimate 
with  Jackson,  took  it  unkindly,  and  spoke  bitterly 
of  him.  .  A  bitter  correspondence  in  the  papers  fol- 
lowed, and  some  time  afterwards,  meeting  at  a  pub- 
lic house  in  Kashville,  a  most  desperate,  murderous 
fight  took  place,  in  which  Jackson  had  his  arm 
broken  and  mutilated  by  a  pistol-ball.  The  estrange- 
ment which  folio w^ed,  was  afterwards  healed,  and 
they  became  fast  friends. 

Through  such  rough  scenes  of  w^ar  and  boi'der- 
life,  was  Jackson  trained  for  the  high  responsibilities 
w^hich  were  to  be  placed  on  him.  He  had, not  been 
indifferent  to  the  oppressive  acts  of  the  English  gov- 
ernment, and  his  voice  w^as  loud  for  immediate  re- 
dress. At  length  the  long-surcharged  clouds  burst, 
war  was  declared,  and  the  mustering  of  arms  was 
heard  over  the  land. 

The  war  of  1812  opened  Avith  the  cowardly  sur- 


BECOMES    GENERAL.  249 

render  of  Hull,  at  Detroit,  Instantly  tlie  wliole 
western  country  rose  in  arms,  to  revenge  the  insult, 
and  wij^e  out  the  disgrace.  An  army  of  ten  thou- 
sand men  was  organized,  and  put  under  General 
"Winchester,  who  was  soon  after  ranked  by  General 
Harrison.  Jackson,  among  others,  had  volunteered 
his  services,  and  petitioned  for  the  post  which  was 
assigned  to  Winchester.  Through  the  influence  of 
the  member  of  Congress  from  that  district,  the  for- 
mer was  preferred  ;  and  taking  command  of  his 
division,  ended  his  short  campaign  with  the  massa- 
cre at  the  river  Raisin.  Had  Jackson  commanded 
those  brave  Kentuckians,  that  massacre,  which 
clothed  so  many  families  in  mourning,  would  never 
have  taken  place  ;  and  in  all  probability,  the  whole 
character  of  the  I^orthern  war  been  changed.  He 
resolved,  however,  not  to  remain  idle,  and  issuing  a 
l^atriotic  and  spirited  address  to  the  young  men  of 
the  State,  he  soon  saw  twenty-five  hundred  volun- 
teers flock  to  his  standard. 

He  immediately  off'ered  his  services  to  the  Gene- 
ral Government,  which  were  thankfully  accepted, 
and  he  was  ordered  to  proceed  down  the  Mississippi 
to  defend  the  southern  frontier,  then  threatened  by 
the  enemy.  As  soon  as  he  could  collect  his  provi- 
sions, means  of  transportation,  &c.,  he  set  out.  It 
was  the  middle  of  winter,  and  a  bitter  cold  day, 


250  ANDEEW   JACKSON. 

^lien  this  band  of  volunteers  embarked  on  tlie  Ohio 
for  Xatchez. 

General  Jackson  started  on  his  Southern  expedi- 
tion the  Tth  of  January.  The  next  daj,  General 
TTinchester,  his  successful  rival,  led  his  doomed 
column  through  the  snow-filled  forest  towards  the 
river  Kaisin,  where  it  was  to  sink  for  ever  in  blood. 

]S'ot  long  after  Jackson's  arrival  at  Natchez,  all 
danger  of  an  attack  in  that  quarter  disappeared,  and 
he  received  orders  from  the  Secretary  of  AYar  to  dis- 
band his  troops,  and  deliver  over  the  public  property 
to  General  Wilkinson,  commanding  the  regular  army 
in  that  district. 

At  the  time  this  order  amved,  there  were  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty  men  on  the  sick  list,  nearly  sixty  of 
whom  were  confined  to  their  beds.  Sliould  the 
army  be  disbanded,  these  would  be  left  uncared  for, 
while  many  of  the  sound  troops,  being  without 
money,  could  not  possibly  return  home.  This  was 
known  to  Wilkinson,  who  evidently  had  induced 
this  order  from  the  ignorant,  inefficient  Secretary  of 
War,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  compelling  those  of  the 
volunteers  who  were  without  the  means  of  subsis- 
tence to  enlist  in  the  regular  army.  But  General 
Jackson  was  never  known  to  desert  a  man  in  dis- 
tress ;  his  whole  nature  awoke  at  the  call  of  pity, 
and,  come  what  would,  he  resolved  not  to  leave  those 
sick  soldiers,  nor  the  destitute  well  ones,  till  he  had 


DISOBEYS   TIIE    GOVEEXilENT.  251 

seen  tliem  safe  back  to  the  homes  from  which  he 
had  taken  them.  Trusting  in  his  well-known  chrac- 
ter  and  in  his  word,  pledged  to  them  when  they 
gathered  to  his  standard,  that  he  wonld  never  desert 
them,  they  had  cheerfully  followed  him  to  the  South, 
and  to  abandon  them  destitute  in  that  then  remote 
region,  would  be  an  act  of  barbarity  unworthy  of  a 
commander  and  of  a  man. 

Many  of  the  invalids  were  young  men,  sons  of  his 
neighbors  and  friends,  and  they  no  sooner  heard  of 
the  order  that  had  been  received,  than  they  sent  for 
him,  and  half-rising  from  their  sick  couches,  prayed 
him,  with  tears,  not  to  forsake  them.  They  reminded 
him  of  his  promise,  and  appealed  to  his  honor. 
This  was  not  needed ;  his  heart  had  already  fixed 
his  determination ; — ^those  brave  young  men  he 
would  watch  over  and  protect,  even  though  his  act 
of  disobedience  should  bring  on  him  the  vengeance 
of  the  Government. 

The  field-officers  coincided  with  him,  when  he 
made  his  resolution  known  to  them ;  but  at  night 
they  held  a  secret  meeting,  in  which  it  was  resolved 
to  remonstrate  against  the  course  he  was  pursuing, 
and  recommend  immediate  obedience  to  the  order 
of  the  Secretary  of  War.  But  Jackson  was  a  ir^n 
whom  opposition  only  fixed  firmer  in  his  resolution, 
and  the  accumulation  of  difficulties  and  embarrass- 
ments roused  to  still  higher  exertions  and  greater 


252  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

sacrifices.  When  tliis  remonstrance  was  read  to 
him,  he  burst  into  a  torrent  of  indignation,  charged 
home  on  the  timorous  officers  deceit  and  duplicity, 
and  heaped  reproaches  on  them  for  wishing  to  leave 
the  destitute  and  sick  soldiers  to  want,  while  they 
themselves  had  horses  and  money  with  which  to  re- 
turn, lie  told  them,  in  conclusion,  that  no  power 
on  earth  could  alter  his  purpose,  and  bade  them  pre- 
pare at  once  to  march.  In  the  meantime,  he  de- 
sj^atched  to  the  Secretary  a  full  and  frank  account 
of  the  matter,  detailing  all  the  circumstances,  and 
his  own  conduct. 

General  Wilkinson,  hearing  of  Jackson's  deter- 
mination, wrote  him  a  letter  of  solemn  expostulation, 
in  which  he  dej)icted  the  awful  consequences  of  dis- 
obeying the  General  Government.  The  latter  very 
curtly  rej)lied  that  he  knew  what  he  was  about, 
and  was  willing  to  take  the  responsibility.  Antici- 
pating the  fulfilment  of  the  Secretary's  order,  the 
former  had  sent  officers  to  recruit  from  the  volun- 
teers the  moment  they  were  disbanded.  This  was 
reported  to  Jackson,  who  immediately  issued  orders 
to  arrest  and  place  in  confinement,  the  first  officer 
who  entered  the  encampment  for  that  purpose.  In 
the  meantime,  he  directed  the  quartermaster  to  pro- 
vide wagons  for  the  transj)ortation  of  the  sick  and  the 
baggage.  The  latter  dared  not  disobey,  but  played 
the  laggard  so  w^ell,  that  not  a  team  was  sent  in 


CAUE   OF   THE   SICK.  253 

till  the  night  previous  to  the  morning  appointed  to 
march.  Only  eleven  wagons  then  arrived,  and  these 
were  discharged  at  once  hy  the  quartermaster.  But 
Jackson  was  a  dangerous  man  to  play  tricks  upon, 
and  preremptorily  ordering  the  unfaithfal  officer 
from  his  presence,  he  seized  the  wagons,  and  com- 
menced loading.  The  sick,  one  after  another,  were 
handed  out  under  his  personal  inspection,  and  made 
as  comfortable  as  the  means  in  his  possession  al- 
lowed. 

At  last  all  but  one  was  stowed  away,  whom  the 
surgeon  reported  in  a  dying  condition,  and  too  far 
gone  to  be  removed.    "  JSTot  a  man  shall  be  left  who 
has  life  in  him,"  replied  Jackson ;  "  bring  him  care- 
fully out."     Tlie  young  man,  apparently  just  on  the 
verge  of  death,  and  wholly  unconscious  of  what  was 
passing  about  him,  was  lifted  into  the  wagon,  and 
the  column  turned  its  face  homeward.     Jackson  had 
given  up  his  own  horse  to  a  feeble  soldier ;  and,  with 
his  stern,  and  fiery  heart  beating  with  all  a  father's 
affection  for  the  sick  youths  who  had  volunteered  to 
fight  and  die  by  his  side,  trudged  on  foot  amid  the 
wagons  containing  the  invalids,  bestowing  words  of 
comfort,  and  cheering  up  the  dersponding  with  the 
promise  of  soon  seeing  home  and  friends.     Ever  and 
anon  he  was  seen  falling  back  from  the  head  of  the 
column,  or  hastening  up  from  the  rear  to  the  wagon 
containing  the  young  soldier  who  was  supposed  to 
13 


254:  A2a)EEW    JACKSON. 

be  dying.  For  a  long  time  tlie  poor  invalid  lay  in- 
sensible ;  but  being  at  length  aroused  by  the  heavy 
jolting  of  the  wagon  over  the  uneven  road,  lie  opened 
Lis  eyes,  and  gazing  vaguely  about  him,  faintly  mur- 
mured, "  "Where  am  I  ?"  Jackson,  who  was  watch- 
ing with  parental  interest  the  first  dawning  of 
reason,  replied  in  glad  tones,  "  On,  your  way  home, 
my  good  fellow."  That  word  "  home  "  reached  the 
sources  of  life,  and  from  that  moment  he  began  to 
improve ;  and  at  length  the  kind-hearted  commander 
had  the  satisfaction  of  presenting  him  restored  to 
his  family. 

Jackson  on  foot,  wading  through  the  swamps,  a^d, 
day  after  day,  toiling  along  the  miry  roads,  an  ex- 
ample of  heroism,  self-denial,  and  tenderness,  seems 
an  entirely  different  person  from  Jackson  in  the  ex- 
citement and  carnage  of  battle.  But,  in  this  respect, 
he  was  like  Marshal  Ney,  possessing  a  heart  which 
the  world  in  arms  could  not  shake,  and -yet  which 
the  cry  of  an  infant  could  overcome.  In  both,  there 
was  a  deep-seated  tenderness,  which  lay  among  their 
other  and  sterner  qualities  like  a  green  Alpine  val- 
ley amid  the  gigantic  cliffs  and  glaciers  that  sur- 
round it. 

The  spring  opened  gloomily  for  the  western  and 
northern  frontier.  The  massacre  at  Fort  Eaisin  had 
broken  up  Harrison's  campaign,  and  left  Tecum seh 
leisure  to  travel  South  again,  and  rouse  the  Lidians 


TECUMSEH.  255 

tliere  to  tlie  same  hostilities  wliich  had  proved  so 
successful  at  the  Xorth. 

At  this  time,  the  vast  Mediterraneans  that  stretch 
along  our  northern  boundary  were  embosomed  in  a 
boundless  forest.  Only  here  a  fort,  and  there  a  settle- 
ment, showed  that  the  foot  of  civilization  had  ever 
entered  those  almost  limitless  solitudes.  All  through 
Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Illinois,  numerous  and  powerful 
tribes  of  Indians  roamed  undisturbed,  and  hung,  in 
black  and  threatening  war-clouds,  on  the  borders  of 
civilization.  The  English  had  succeeded  in  inciting 
most  of  these  to  hostilities  against  the  settler.  Their 
efforts  were  aided  in  a  masterly  manner  by  Tecum- 
seh,  a  Shawnee  warrior,  who  had  imbibed  a  bitter? 
undying  hostility  to  the  Americans.  Brave,  tempe- 
rate, scorning  a  lie,  and  desj)ising  the  spoils  of  war, 
he  fought  to  restore  his  race  to  their  ancient  rights 
and  power.  Unable  to  cope  with  the  Americans 
alone,  he  gladly  availed  himself  of  our  declaration 
of  war  to  form  an  alliance  with  the  British.  Lifted 
by  native  genius  above  the  vices  of  savages,  he  also 
exhibited  a  greatness  of  intellect,  and  loftiness  of 
character,  which,  in  civilized  life,  would  have  led 
to  the  highest  renown.  Despising  the  petty  rival- 
ries of  tribes  and  chiefs,  he  became  absorbed  in  the 
grand  idea  of  uniting  all  the  Indian  clans  in  one 
great  and  desperate  struggle  for  mastery  with  the 
whites.     He  had  succeeded   in   carrying  out  his 


256  AXDKEW   JACKSON. 

scheme,  to  a  great  extent,  tlirougliout  tlie  Xortli  and 
West.  Of  erect,  athletic  frame,  noble,  commanding 
appearance,  with  the  air  of  a  king,  and  the  eloquence 
of  a  Demosthenes  when  rousing  the  Greeks  to  arms 
against  Phili]),  he  went  from  tribe  to  tribe  electrify- 
ing them  with  his  appeals,  and  rousing  them  to  mad- 
ness by  his  fiery  denunciations  against  their  oppres- 
sors. His  brother,  the  proj)het,  accompanied  him, 
— a  dark,  subtle,  cunning  impostor,  to  whose  tricks 
Tecumseh  submitted  for  awhile,  because  they  foiled, 
the  hatred  and  deceit  of  rival  cliiefs.  As  he  arose 
before  his  savage  audiences,  his  imposing  manner 
created  a  feeling  of  awe  ;  but  when  he  kindled  with 
his  great  subject,  he  seemed  like  one  inspired.  His 
eye  flashed  fire,  his  swarthy  bosom  heaved  and 
swelled  with  imprisoned  passion,  his  whole  form 
dilated  with  excitement,  and  his  strong  untutored  soul 
])Oured  itself  forth  in  eloquence,  wild,  headlong,  and 
resistless,  as  the  mountain  torrent.  Thoughts,  im- 
agery leaped  from  his  lips  in  such  life  and  vivid- 
ness that  the  stoicism  of  the  Indian  vanished  before 
them,  and  his  statute-like  face  gleamed  with  passion. 
The  people  he  always  carried  with  him;  but  the 
chiefs,  who  feared  his  power  over  their  followers, 
often  thwarted  his  plans.  "When  not  addressing  the 
clans,  he  was  reserved,  cold,  and  haughty.  His 
withering  sarcasm,  when  Proctor  proposed  to  retreat 
from  Maiden  ;    his  reply  to  the   interpreter,   who 


TECUMSEH.  257 

offering  liim  a  cliair  in  the  presence  of  Harrison,  said, 
^'  Your  father  wishes  jou  to  be  seated ;"  ''  Mj  father ! 
the  sun  is  my  father,  and  the  earth  my  mother,"  as 
he  stretched  himself  proudly  on  the  ground,  reveal 
a  nature  conscious  of  its  greatness,  and  scorning  the 
distinctions  which  the  white  man  arrogated  to  him- 
self. 

After  the  massacre  at  Frenchtown,  he  took  his 
brother,  and  went  South  to  the  Creeks,  to  complete 
the  plan  of  a  general  alliance.  The  j  ourney  of  nearly 
a  thousand  miles  through  the  wilderness,  of  these 
two  brothers, — the  discussion  of  their  deep-laid 
scheme  at  night  around  their  camp-fire, — the  day- 
dreams of  Tecumseh,  as  gorgeous  as  ever  flitted  be- 
fore the  imagination  of  a  Caesar, — the  savage  empire 
he  would  form,  and  the  greatness  he  would  restore 
to  his  despised  race,  would  make  a  grand  epic. 
Pathless  mountains  and  gloomy  swamps  were  tra- 
versed; deep  rivers  swam,  and  weariness  and  toil 
endured,  not  for  spoils  or  revenge,  but  to  carry  out 
a  great  idea.  There  is  a  rude,  Tuscan  grandeur 
about  him,  as  he  thus  moves  through  the  western 
wilderness  impelled  by  a  high  purpose, — a  bar- 
baric splendor  thrown  about  even  the  merciless 
measures  he  means  to  adopt,  by  the  great  moral 
scheme  to  which  they  are  to  be  subject.  His 
combinations  exhibited  the  consummate  general. 
While  England  occupied  us  along  the  sea-coast,  he 


258  AXDEEW    JACKSOX. 

was  to  sweep  in  one  vast  semi-circle  from  Miclilli- 
mackinac  to  Florida  upon  the  scattered  settlements. 
Fires  were  to  be  kindled  Xortli  and  South,  and  AVest, 
to  burn  towards  the  centre,  while  civilized  warfare 
should  desolate  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Alleghanies. 
Tecumseh  had  seen  Hull  surrender,  helped  to  cut  to 
pieces  a  part  of  Harrison's  armv,  and  drive  back  the 
remainder.  His  prospects  were  brightening,  and 
with  this  glorious  news  to  back  his  burning  eloquence, 
he  had  no  doubt  of  exciting  the  Southern  tribes  to 
war.  The  Chickasaws  and  Choctaws  in  Mississippi, 
numbered  over  thirty  thousand  ;  the  Creeks  twenty- 
live  thousand,  while  south  of  them  dwelt  the  large 
and  warlike  tribe  of  the  Seminoles.  His  chief  mis- 
sion was  to  the  Creeks,  from  whom,  on  his  mother's 
side,  he  sprung.  This  powerful  clan  stretched  from 
the  southern  borders  of  Tennessee  nearly  to  Florida. 
The  sun  in  his  course  looked  on  no  fairer,  richer  land 
than  the  country  they  held.  Some  of  them  had 
learned  the  arts  of  civilization,  and,  hitherto,  had 
evinced  a  friendly  disposition  towards  the  whites. 
But  British  influence  working  through  the  Spanish 
authorities  in  Florida,  had  already  prepared  them  for 
Tecumseh's  visit.  An  alliance,  offensive  and  defen- 
sive, had  been  formed  between  England  and  Spain  ; 
and  the  armies  of  the  former  were  then  in  the  Pen- 
insula, endeavoring  to  wrest  the  throne  from  Bona- 
parte.    Tlie  later,  therefore,  was  bound  to  assist  her 


TECrMSEIl's    ELOQUENCE.  259 

ally  on  tliis  continent,  and  so  lent  lier  aid  in  exciting 
the  Southern  Indians  to  hostility.  But  for  this,  Te- 
ciimseh,  with  all  his  eloquence,  might  have  failed. 
Co-operating  with  the  British  agents  in  Florida,  as 
he  had  done  with  Brock  and  Proctor  in  Canada,  he 
at  length  saw  his  cherished  scheme  about  to  be  ful- 
filled. The  old  and  more  peaceful, — those  who  had 
settled  in  well-built  towns,  with  schools,  and  flocks, 
and  farms, — opposed  the  war  which  should  devastate 
their  land,  and  drive  them  back  to  barbarism.  But 
the  eloquence  of  Tecumseh,  as  he  spoke  of  the  mul- 
tiplied wrongs  of  the  Indians,  their  humiliation,  de- 
scribed the  glory  to  be  won,  and  painted  in  glowing 
colors  the  victories  he  had  gained  in  the  l^orth,  kin- 
dled into  a  blaze  the  warlike  feelings  of  the  young ; 
and  soon  ominous  tidings  came  from  the  bosom  of 
the  wilderness  that  stretched  along  the  Coosa  and 
Talapoosa  rivers.  Anxiety  and  alarm  spread  among 
the  white  settlers,  and  the  scattered  families  sought 
shelter  in  the  nearest  forts.  Twenty-four  had  thus 
congregated  at  Fort  Mimms,  a  mere  block-house, 
situated  on  the  Alabama,  near  the  junction  of  the 
Tombigbee.  It  was  garrisoned  by  a  hundred  and 
forty  men,  commanded  by  Major  Beasely,  and,  with 
proper  care,  could  have  resisted  the  attacks  of  the 
savages.  But  the  rumors  of  a  rising  among  the  In- 
dians were  discredited.  A  negro  who  stated  he  had 
seen  them  in  the  vicinity,  was  chastised  for  spread- 


260  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

ing  a  false  alarm.  Tlie  niglit  preceding  the  massa- 
cre, tlie  dogs  growled  and  barked,  showing  that  they 
scented  Indians  in  the  air.  But  all  these  warnings 
were  unheeded,  when  suddenly,  in  broad  midday, 
the  savages,  some  seven  hundred  strong,  made  their 
appearance  before  the  fort,  and  within  thirty  feet  of 
it,  before  they  were  discovered.  The  gate  was  open, 
and  with  one  terrific  yell  they  dashed  through  into 
the  outer  enclosure,  driving  the  panic-stricken  sol- 
diers into  the  houses  within.  Mounting  these  they 
set  them  on  fire,  and  shot  down  every  soul  that 
attempted  to  escape.  Seeing,  at  once,  their  inevita- 
ble doom,  the  soldiers  fought  with  the  energy  of 
despair.  Eushing  madly  on  their  destroyers,  they 
gave  blow  for  blow,  and  laid  sixty  of  them  around 
the  burning  buildings  before  they  were  completely 
overpowered.  At  last,  a  yell  of  savage  triumph  rose 
over  the  crackling  of  flames,  and  cries  and  shrieks 
of  terrified  women  and  children.  Then  followed  a 
scene  which  may  not  be  described.  The  wholesale 
butchery, — the  ghastly  spectacle  of  nearly  three 
hundred  mutilated  bodies,  hewed  and  hacked  into 
fragments,  were  nothing  to  the  inhuman  indignities 
perpetrated  on  the  women.  Children  were  ripped 
from  the  maternal  womb,  and  swung  as  war-clubs 
against  the  heads  of  the  mothers,  and  all  those  hor- 
rible excesses,  which  seem  the  offspring  of  demons, 


MASSACEE   AT    FORT   MIMMS.  261 

Trere  committed  on  the  dead  and  dying.     ]^ot  more 
than  twenty  or  thirty  out  of  the  whole,  escaped. 

The  news  of  this  terrible  disaster  broke  like  a 
sudden  thunder-clap  on  the  neighboring  States. 
Georgia,  Tennessee,  North  and  South  Carolina,  flew 
at  once  to  arms.  On  the  17th  of  September  a  mass 
meeting  assembled  at  ]N'ashville,  which,  with  one 
Yoice,  nominated  Jackson  commander-in-chief  of  the 
troops  of  the  State.  Ten  days  after,  the  nomination 
was  confirmed  by  the  legislature,  and  200,000  dollars 
voted  to  carry  on  the  war.  Jackson  immediately 
issued  a  stirring  ajDj^eal  to  the  people,  in  which,  after 
describing  the  state  of  things,  he  urged  them  to  as- 
semble to  his  standard  with  all  speed,  saying,  "  Al- 
ready are  large  bodies  of  the  hostile  Creeks  march- 
ing to  your  borders,  with  their  scalping-knives  un- 
sheathed to  butcher  your  women  and  children  :  time 
is  not  to  be  lost.  We  must  hasten  to  the  frontier,  or 
we  shall  find  it  drenched  in  the  blood  of  our  citi- 
zens." At  this  time,  he  was  sufi'ering  from  the  arm 
which  had  been  mutilated  in  his  encounter  with 
Benton,  and  was  unable  to  be  present  at  Fayetteville, 
the  rendezvous,  on  the  4th  of  October ;  but  he  sent 
an  address  to  be  read  to  the  troops,  and  rules  regu- 
lating the  police  of  the  camp.  Although  too  feeble 
to  take  the  field,  he,  three  days  after,  with  his  arm 
in  a  sling,  put  himself  at  the  head  of  the  army. 
The  next  evening,  a  despatch  arrived  from  Colonel 


262  AXDEEW   JACKSOy. 

Coffee,  who  had  been  j^reviously  sent  forward  with 
a  large  detachment  to  Iluntsville,  thirty-two  miles 
distant,  stating  that  a  body  of  nearly  a  thousand  Li- 
dians  were  on  their  way  to  ravage  the  frontiers  of 
Georgia,  and  another  party  aj^proaching  Tennessee. 
The  day  after  came  a  second  express  confirming  the 
report.  By  nine  o'clock  the  following  morning, 
Jackson  put  his  army  of  twenty-five  hundred  in  mo- 
tion, and  at  eight  in  the  evening  reached  Huntsville, 
making  the  thirty-two  miles  in  eleven  hours.  Find- 
ing that  the  rumor  was  without  foundation,  he 
proceeded  leisurely  to  Ditto's  Landing,  where  Col. 
Coffee  with  his  regiment  was  encamped.  Here 
he  paused  to  wait  for  supplies,  and  survey  his  posi- 
tion. 

With  promptness  on  the  part  of  those  co-operating 
with  him,  he  saw  that  the  hostile  Creeks  could  be 
crushed  with  one  blow ;  for  on  the  west  of  their  set- 
tlements were  six  hundred  Mississippi  volunteers 
and  the  3d  regiment  of  regular  infantry,  six  him- 
dred  strong,  under  Colonel  Russell ;  on  the  east  were 
twenty-five  hundred  Georgia  militia,  commanded  by 
General  Floyd ;  while  from  the  north,  five  thousand 
volunteers  and  militia — ^twenty-five  hundred  from 
East  Tennessee,  under  Generals  Cocke  and  "White, 
and  the  same  number  from  the  western  section  of 
the  State — ^^^ere  moving  down  on  the  devoted  tribes. 
This  army  of  five  thousand  Tennesf.eans  was  under 


ENTEES  THE  CEEEK  COTNTRY.         263 

his  own  command,  the  western  half  of  which  he 
led  in  person.  There  were,  besides  this  formid- 
able array,  a  few  posts  held  by  small  detachments, 
and  a  few  hundred  friendly  Indians,  most  of  them 
Cherokees.  "When  these  separate  armies  should 
close  around  the  hostile  settlements,  encircling  them 
in  a  girdle  of  fire,  it  was  imiversally  believed  that 
the  war  would  be  over. 

While  Jackson  remained  at  Ditto's  Landing,  wait- 
ing anxiously  for  the  supplies  which  Generals  Cocke 
and  White  had  promised  to  forward,  he  despatched 
General  Coffee,  with  six  hundred  picked  men,  to  de- 
stroy Blackwarrior  town,  a  hundred  miles  south. 

At  length,  being  urged  by  the  earnest  appeals  of 
friendly  Ijidians,  who  were  in  daily  danger  of  being 
cut  off  by  the  Creeks,  he,  on  the  19th,  started  for 
Thompson's  Creek,  where  he  had  ordered  the  provi- 
sions, which  he  supposed  were  near  at  hand,  to  be 
stopped.  Cutting  his  way  through  the  heavy  forests, 
and  dragging  his  artillery  over  steep  mountains,  he 
at  length,  after  a  painful  march  of  two  days,  reached 
the  place  of  depot  but  no  provisions  had  arrived. 
Instead  of  supplies,  came  a  letter  from  General 
White,  who  was  at  Lookout  Mountain  in  the  Che- 
rokee country,  stating  that  no  flour  could  be  spared 
from  that  post.  His  position  was  now  becoming  pain- 
ful and  critical.  Standing  in  the  centre  of  the  wil- 
derness, on  the  borders  of  the  enemy's  country,  with 


264  ANDREW   JACKSOX. 

his  little  band  around  him,  he  saw  no  alternative 
but  to  retreat,  unless  he  ran  the  risk  of  starving  his 
army  in  the  forest.  But  to  abandon  his  design, 
would  leave  the  friendly  Indians  at  the  mercy  of 
their  enemies,  an  act  not  only  cruel  in  the  extreme, 
and  utterly  repugnant  to  his  nature,  but  which 
would  famish  a  fatal  example  to  the  other  friendly 
tribes,  whose  alliance  it  was  of  the  highest  import- 
ance to  secure.  Prudence  would  have  dictated  a 
retreat,  but  Jackson  had  never  yet  turned  his  back 
voluntarily  on  a  foe,  and  he  resolved,  at  all  hazards, 
to  proceed.  Sending  off  expresses  to  Generals 
Cocke  and  "WTiite,  and  to  the  Governors  of  Tennes- 
see and  Georgia,  and  the  American  agents  in  the 
Choctaw  and  Cherokee  nations,  he  issued  a  stirring 
address  to  his  troops,  in  which  he  promised  them 
that  the  "  order  to  charge  would  be  the  signal  for 
victory."  In  urging  on  them  the  importance  of 
coolness,  and  presence  of  mind,  in  every  emergency, 
even  in  "retreat,"  he  adds, 

"  Your  general  laments  that  he  has  been  com- 
pelled, even  incidentally,  to  hint  at  a  retreat,  when 
speaking  to  freemen  and  to  soldiers.  Never,  until 
you  forget  all  that  is  due  to  yourselves  and  your 
country,  will  you  have  any  practical  understanding 
of  that  word.  Shall  an  enemy,  wholly  unacquaint- 
ed with  military  evolutions,  and  who  rely  more  for 
victory  on  their  grim  visages,  and  hideous   y^ells, 


HIS   POSITION.  265 

than  upon  their  bravery  or  their  weapons, — shall 
such  an  enemy  ever  drive  before  them,  the  well- 
trained  youths  of  our  country,  whose  bosoms  pant 
for  glory,  and  a  desire  to  avenge  the  wrongs  they 
have  received  ?  Your  general  will  not  live  to  be- 
hold such  a  spectacle ;  rather  would  he  rush  into  the 
thickest  of  the  enemy,  and  submit  himself  to  their 
scalping-knives ;  but  he  has  no  fear  of  such  a  result. 
He  knows  the  valor  of  the  men  he  commands,  and 
how  certainly  that  valor,  regulated  as  it  will  be, 
will  lead  to  victory." 

Cut  off  from  supplies,  locked  up  in  the  wilderness, 
through  which  swarmed  thousand  of  savages,  eagerly 
watching  his  advance,  with  only  six  days'  rations  of 
meat  and  two  of  flour,  he  issued  this  bold  and  con- 
fident address,  and  then  gave  orders  for  the  army  to 
march.  Arriving  at  Ten  Islands,  he  erected  Fort 
Strother,  to  serve  as  a  depot,  and  to  cover  his  retreat. 
In  a  letter  to  Governor  Blount,  from  this  place,  lie 
says,— 

"  Indeed,  sir,  we  have  been  wretchedly  supplied, — 
scarcely  two  rations  in  succession  have  been  regularly 
drawn,  yet  we  are  not  despondent.  While  we  can  pro- 
cure an  ear  of  corn  apiece,  or  anything  that  will  answer 
as  a  substitute  for  it,  we  shall  continue  our  exertions 
to  accomplish  the  object  for  which  we  were  sent." 

Here,  being  informed  that  General  White  was  only 
twenty-five  miles  distant  up  the  river,  he  sent  him  a 


26Q  A^'DEEW   JACKSON. 

despatcli  to  hasten,  at  once,  to  the  fort.  In  the  mean, 
time,  General  Coffee,  who  had  retm-ned  successful 
from  his  southern  expedition,  was  sent  to  attack  a 
large  body  of  Indians  at  Tallushatchee,  some  thirty 
miles  distant.  With  nine  hundred  men,  this  gallant 
officer  advanced,  and  succeeded  in  completely  sur- 
rounding them ;  and  though  the  savages  fought  desper- 
ately to  the  last,  but  few  escaj^ed.  A  hundred  and 
eighty  warriors  lay  stretched  around  the  ashes  of  their 
dwellings.  Among  the  slain,  was  a  mother,  on  whose 
bosom  her  infant  boy  was  found,  struggling  in  vain  to 
draw  nourishment  from  the  lifeless  breast.  When  he 
was  brought  to  camp,  Jackson  endeavoured  to  per- 
suade some  of  the  female  captives  to  take  care  of  him, 
but  they  all  refused,  saying,  "  His  relations  are  all 
dead,  kill  him  too.'*  He  then  ordered  some  sugar  to 
be  given  him,  and  sent  him  to  Huntsville,  where  he 
could  be  properly  cared  for.  He  afterwards  adopted 
him,  gave  him  a  good  education,  and  placed  him  at  a 
saddler's  to  learn  a  trade.  The  latter  was  accustomed 
to  spend  every  Sunday  at  the  Hermitage,  with  his 
adopted  father,  who  was  strongly  attached  to  him. 
But  he  always  pined  for  the  free,  wild  life  of  his  race. 
The  close  air  of  the  shop  and  the  drudgery  of  an  ap- 
prentice did  not  agree  with  him,  and  he  soon  after 
sickened.  He  was  then  taken  home  to  the  Hermitage, 
where  he  lingered  some  time,  and  died. 

This   care  and  solicitude  for  an  Indian  infant  in 


ATTACKS   THE    INDIANS.  267 

tLe  midst  of  the  troubles  and  perils  that  surrounded 
him,  remind  one  of  a  similar  act  of  Marshal  ISTej, 
when  his  doomed  army  was  fast  sinking  in  the  snow- 
drifts of  Eussia.  At  length,  on  the  Yth  of  November, 
an  Indian  runner  arrived  in  camp,  stating  that  Fort 
Talladega,  about  thirty  miles  distant,  was  surrounded 
by  the  hostile  Eed-sticks,  and  if  he  did  not  hurry  to 
its  relief,  the  friendly  Indians,  who  had  taken  refuge 
in  it,  must  be  massacred.  The  runner  had  scarcely 
finished  his  message  when  the  order  to  march  was 
issued,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  columns  were  in 
motion.  It  was  midnight,  and  through  the  dim  cathe- 
drals of  nature,  lighted  only  by  the  stars  of  heaven, 
Jackson  led  his  two  thousand  men  towards  the  Talla- 
dega. Eight  hundred  of  these  were  mounted  riflemen, 
who  presented  a  picturesque  appearance,  as  they 
wound  slowly  along  the  rough  forest  path  underneath 
the  autumnal  woods,  each  with  unceasing  watchful- 
ness, piercing  the  surrounding  gloom,  and  every  hand 
grasping  a  trusty  rifle.  Their  heavy  tramp  frightened 
the  wild  beasts  from  their  lairs,  and  awoke  strange 
echoes  in  the  solitude.  N'ow  straining  up  steep 
ascents,  and  now  swimming  deep  rivers,  the  fearless 
and  gallant  band  pressed  forward.  In  three  columns, 
so  as  to  prevent  the  confusion  that  might  arise  from  a 
sudden  surprise,  it  forced  its  difiicult  way  through  the 
forest,  and  at  night  arrived  within  six  miles  of  the 
besieged  fort.   Here  Jackson  halted,  and  sent  forward 


2G8  AXBEEW    JACKSOX. 

two  friendly  Indians  and  a  wbite  man,  to  reconnoitre. 
About  eleven  o'clock  they  returned,  and  reported  the 
enemy  in  great  force,  and  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
of  the  fort.  Xo  time  was  to  be  lost,  and  though  the 
troops  had  been  without  sleep,  and  constantly  on  the 
strain  for  twenty-four  hours,  another  night,  and  a 
battle,  lay  between  them  and  repose. 

It  was  four  o'clock  of  a  cool  IS'oyember  morning, 
when  the  three  columns  a2:ain  moyed  forward.  Ad- 
vancing  with  the  utmost  caution  and  quietness  to 
within  a  mile  of  the  Indian  encampment,  they  halted, 
and  formed  in  order  of  battle.  Two  hundred  and  fifty 
of  the  cavalry,  under  Lieut.-Col.  Dyer,  were  left  in 
the  rear  of  the  centre  to  act  as  a  reserve,  while  the 
remaining  four  hundred  and  fifty  were  ordered  to  push 
on  to  the  right  and  left  on  either  side,  until  the  heads 
of  their  columns  met  beyond  the  hostile  encampment, 
and  thus  completely  encircle  it.  The  two  brigades  ot 
Hall  and  Roberts,  occuj:)ying  the  right  and  left,  were 
directed  to  advance,  while  the  ring  of  cavalry  was 
steadily  to  contract,  so  as  to  shut  in  every  savage  and 
prevent  escape.  At  eight  o'clock.  Colonel  Carroll 
boldly  charged  the  position  in  front  of  him,  and 
carried  it ;  he  then  retreated,  in  order  to  draw  the 
Indians  in  pursuit.  They  charged  after  him  with 
such  teriific  whoops  and  screams,  that  a  portion 
of  General  Eobert's  brigade,  on  whom  they  were 
rushing  with  uplifted   tomahawks,   broke   and  fled. 


THE   BATTLE.  269 

This  made  a  chasm  in  the  line,  which  Jackson  imme- 
diately ordered  Colonel  Bradley  to  fill  with  his  regi- 
ment that  for  some  reason,  known  only  to  the  com- 
mander, had  lagged  behind,  to  the  great  detriment  of 
the  order  of  battle.  But  not  only  had  he  proved  a 
laggard  in  the  approach,  but  he  refused  to  fill  the 
chasm,  as  ordered  by  his  commander,  and  the  latter 
was  compelled  to  dismount  his  reserve  and  hurry 
them  forward.  As  these  steadily  and  firmly  advanced, 
and  poured  in  their  volleys,  the  panic-stricken  militia 
recovered  their  courage  and  resumed  their  places  in 
the  line.  In  the  mean  time,  the  encirling  cavalry 
came  galloping,  with  loud  hurrahs,  towards  the  centre. 
The  next  moment  the  forest  rang  with  the  sharp  re- 
ports of  their  rifles.  In  fifteen  minutes  the  battle  was 
over,  and  the  terrified  savages  were  wildly  skirting 
the  inner  edge  of  this  circle  of  fire,  seeking,  in  vain, 
an  avenue  to  the  open  forest  beyond.  Turned  back 
at  every  step,  they  fell  like  the  autumn  leaves  which 
the  wind  shook  around  them.  At  length  they  dis- 
covered a  ga]),  made  by  the  neglect  of  Colonel  Brad- 
ley and  the  delay  of  a  portion  of  the  cavalry,  which 
had  taken  too  wide  a  circuit,  and  poured  like  a  torrent 
that  has  suddenly  found  vent,  through  it.  The  mounted 
riflemen  wheeled  and  streamed  after ;  and  the  quick, 
sharp  reports  of  their  pieces,  and  the  receding  yells 
rising  from  the  forest,  told  how  fiercely  they  pressed 
on  the  flying  traces  of  the  foe.    The  savages  made 


270  ANDEEW   JACKSON. 

straight  for  the  mountains,  three  lines  distant,  fighting 
as  they  went.  The  moment  they  bounded  up  the 
steep  acclivity  they  were  safe,  and  the  wearied  horse- 
men tm-ned  again  to  the  camp.  Their  way  back  was 
easily  tracked  by  the  swarthy  forms  that  lay  stretched 
on  the  leaves,  showing  where  the  flight  and  pursuit 
had  swept.  Of  the  thousand  and  more  who  had  com- 
posed the  force  of  the  enemy,  more  than  half  were 
killed  or  wounded.  Three  hundred  were  left  dead  on 
the  sj)ot  where  they  had  first  fought.  The  loss  of  the 
Americans  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  ninety-five. 

The  friendly  Lidians,  who  had  been  so  long  shut 
up  without  a  drop  of  water,  in  momentary  expecta- 
tion of  being  massacred,  listened  to  the  uproar  with- 
out, with  beating  hearts ;  but  when  the  battle  was 
over,  they  rushed  forth  with  the  most  frantic  cries  of 
joy,  and  leaped  and  shouted  around  their  deliverers 
in  all  the  wildness  of  savage  delight.  They  crowded 
around  Jackson  as  if  he  had  been  their  deity,  to- 
wards whom  they  could  not  show  too  much  rever- 
ence. 

The  refusal  of  General  White  to  march  to  Fort 
Strother,  left  the  feeble  garrison  of  the  latter  in  a 
perilous  state.  If  it  should  fall,  Jackson's  whole  line 
of  retreat  would  be  cut  off;  and  he,  therefore,  with 
deep  pain,  was  compelled  to  stop  in  his  victorious 
progress,  and  return  to  the  fort.  On  his  arrival,  he 
found  that  no  supplies  had  reached  it,  and  that  the 


DISTRESS   O:^   HIS    TROOPS.  271 

soldiers,  lialf-starved,  were  bordering  on  mutiny. 
General  Cocke,  from  the  first,  seemed  resolved  to 
withhold  all  aid  from  Jackson,  lest  he  himself  should 
be  eclipsed  in  the  camj)aign. 

The  latter,  however,  endeavored  to  keep  alive  the 
spirits  and  courage  of  his  troops,  and  distributed  all 
his  private  stores  to  the  feeble  and  wounded.  Hav- 
ing nothing  left  for  himself  and  staff,  he  repaired  to 
the  bullock-pen,  and  from  the  offals  cut  tripe,  on 
which  he  and  they  lived  for  days,  in  the  vain  hope 
of  receiving  the  long-promised  supplies.  One  day, 
as  he  sat  at  the  foot  of  a  tree,  thinking  of  the  hard 
condition  of  his  men,  and  planning  how  he  might 
find  some  relief  from  the  increasing  difficulties  that 
pressed  so  hard  upon  him,  one  of  the  soldiers,  observ- 
ing that  he  was  eating  something,  approached,  and 
asked  for  a  portion.  Jackson  looked  up  Avith  a  plea- 
sant smile,  and  said,  ''  I  will,  most  cheerfully,  divide 
with  you  what  I  have  ;"  and  taking  some  acorns  from 
his  pocket,  he  handed  them  to  the  astonished  and 
mortified  soldier.  His  solicitude  for  the  army  did 
not  expend  itself  in  words,  for  he  shared  with  the 
meanest  soldier  his  privations  and  his  wants,  while 
many  of  his  subordinate  officers  possessed  abun- 
dance. He  let  the  latter  enjoy  the  rations  to  which 
they  were  legally  entitled,  but  himself  scorned  to 
sit  down  to  a  well-sup]3lied  table,  while  the  army  was 
perishing  with  want. 


ANDREW    JACKSON. 


This  state  of  tliino-s,  of  course,  could  not  last  lono". 
Tlie  soldiers  believed  tliemselves  neglected  by  tlie 
State  for  whose  safety  they  were  fighing  ;  else  why 
this  protracted  refusal  to  send  them  provisions  ?  The 
incipient  discontent  was  fed  and  aggravated  by  seve- 
ral of  the  officers,  who  were  getting  tired  of  the  cam- 
paign, and  wished  to  return  home,  till  at  last  it  broke 
out  into  023en  revolt.  The  militia  regiments,  en 
<)nasse,  had  resolved  to  leave.  Jackson  received  the 
communication  with  grief  and  indignation.  He  felt 
for  his  poor,  half-starved  men,  but  all  his  passionate 
nature  was  roused  at  this  deliberate  defiance  of  his 
authority.  The  militia,  however,  did  not  regard  his 
expostulations  or  threats,  and  they  fixed  on  a  morn- 
ing to  commence  their  march.  But  as  they  drew 
out  to  take  their  departure,  they  found,  to  their  as- 
tonishment, the  volunteers  paraded  across  their  path, 
with  Jackson  at  their  head.  He  ordered  them  to  re- 
tui'n  to  their  position,  or  they  should  answer  for  their 
diobedience  with  their  lives.  Tliey  obeyed  ;  but  tlie 
volunteers,  indignant  that  they  had  been  made  the 
instrument  of  quelling  the  revolt,  and  anxious  as  the 
others  were  to  get  away,  resolved  next  morning  to 
depart  themselves.  To  their  surprise,  however,  they 
saw  the  militia  drawn  up  in  the  same  position  they 
had  occupied  the  day  before,  to  arrest  the  first  for- 
ward movement  that  was  made.     This  was  a  danger- 


MUTINY    IN    HIS    AHMY.  273 

ons  game  to  play  with  armed  men,  and  would  not 
bear  a  second  trial. 

The  cavalry,  on  the  ground  that  the  country 
yielded  no  forage  for  their  horses,  were  permitted  to 
retire  to  the  neighborhood  of  Huntsville,  where  they 
promised  to  wait  the  orders  of  their  commander. 

In  the  meantime,  Jackson  hearing  that  provisions 
were  on  the  way,  made  an  effort  to  allay  the  excited, 
angry  feelings  that  existed  in  the  army,  and  so,  on 
the  14th  of  November,  invited  all  the  field  and  pla- 
toon officers  to  his  quarters,  and  after  informing  them 
that  abundant  supplies  were  close  at  hand,  ad- 
dressed them  in  a  kind  and  sympathizing  manner, 
told  them  how  deeply  he  felt  for  their  sufferings, 
and  concluded  by  promising,  if  provisions  did-  not 
arrive  within  two  days,  to  lead  them  back  himself 
to  Tennessee.  But  this  kind  and  conciliatory  speech 
produced  no  effect  on  a  portion  of  the  army,  and  the 
first  reo^iment  of  volunteers  insisted  on  abandonino* 
the  fort.  Permission  to  leave  was  granted,  and 
Jackson,  with  chagrin  and  anguish,  saw  the  men 
whom  he  refused  to  abandon  at  Natchez,  forsake 
him  in  the  heart  of  the  forest,  surrounded  by  hostile 
savages. 

The  two  days  expiring  without  the  arrival  of  pro- 
visions, he  was  compelled  to  fulfil  his  promise  to 
the  army,  and  preparations  were  made  for  departure. 
In  the  midst  of  the  breaking  up  of  the  camp,  he  sat 


274  iLNDEEW   JACKSON. 

down  and  wrote  a  letter  to  Colonel  Pope,  the  con- 
tractor, wliicli  exhibits  how  deeply  he  felt,  not 
merely  this  abandonment  of  him,  but  the  failure  of 
the  expedition.     He  says  in  conclusion : 

^1  cannot  express  the  torture  of  my  feelings, 
when  I  reflect  that  a  camj)aign  so  auspiciously  be- 
gun, and  which  might  be  so  soon  and  so  gloriously 
terminated,  is  likely  to  be  rendered  abortive  for  the 
want  of  suj)plies.  For  God's  sake,  prevent  so  great 
an  evil." 

As  the  baggage-wagons  were  loaded  up,  and  the 
men  fell  into  marching  order,  the  paljDable  evi- 
dence of  iKe  failure  of  the  project  on  which  he  had 
60  deej^ly  set  his  heart,  and  the  disgrace  that  await- 
ed his  army,  became  so  painful,  that  he  could  not 
endure  the  sight,  and  he  exclaimed  in  mingled  grief 
and  shame, 

"  If  only  two  men  will  remain  with  me,  I  will 
never  abandon  the  post." 

"  You  have  one,  General !"  exclaimed  Captain 
Gordon,  of  the  spies,  who  stood  beside  him. 

The  gallant  captain  immediately  began  to  beat  up 
for  volunteers,  and  it  was  not  long  before  a  hundred 
and  nine  brave  fellows  surrounded  their  general, 
swearing  to  stand  by  him  to  the  last. 

The  latter  then  put  himself  at  the  head  of  the 
militia,  telling  them  he  should  order  them  back,  if 
they  met  provisions  near  by.     They  had  gone  but  ten 


QUELLS    A   MUTLNY.  275 

or  twelve  miles,  when  they  met  an  hundred  and  fifty 
beeves  on  their  way  to  the  fort.  The  men  fell  to,  and 
in  a  short  time  were  gorging  themselves  with  half- 
roasted  meat.  Invigorated  by  their  gluttonous  repast, 
most  of  them  consented  to  return.  One  company, 
however,  quietly  resumed  its  journey  homeward. 
"When  Jackson  was  informed  of  it,  he  sprang  into  his 
saddle,  and  galloping  a  quarter  of  a  mile  ahead,where 
General  Cofiee  with  his  stafi"  and  a  few  soldiers  had 
halted,  ordered  them  to  form  across  the  road,  and  fire 
on  the  first  man  that  attempted  to  pass.  As  the 
mutineers  came  up  and  saw  that  living  barrier  before 
them,  and  in  front  of  it  the  stern  and  decided  face  of 
their  commander,  they  wheeled  about,  and  retraced 
their  steps.  Jackson  then  dismounted  and  began  to 
mingle  among  the  men,  to  allay  their  excitement,  and 
conciliate  their  feelings.  While  he  was  thus  endea- 
vouring to  reduce  to  cheerful  obedience  this  ref  actory 
company,  he  was  told,  to  his  ntter  amazement,  that 
the  other  portion  of  the  army  had  changed  their 
mind,  and  the  whole  brigade  was  drawn  up  in  column, 
and  on  the  point  of  marching  homeward.  He  imme- 
diately walked  up  in  front  of  the  column,  snatched  a 
mnsket  from  the  hands  of  a  soldier,  and  resting  it 
across  the  neck  of  his  horse,  swore  he  would  shoot  the 
first  man  who  attempted  to  move.  The  soldiers  stood 
and  looked  in  sullen  silence  at  that  resolute  face,  un- 
decided whether  to  advance  or  not,  when  General 


276  AJNDJBEW   JACKSON. 

Coffee  and  his  staff  galloped  up.  These,  together  with 
the  feithful  companies,  Jackson  ordered  to  form  be- 
hind him,  and  lire  when  he  did.  Kot  a  word  was 
uttered  for  some  time,  as  the  two  parties  thus  stood 
face  to  face,  and  gazed  on  each  other.  At  length  a 
murmur  rang  along  the  column, — rebellion  was 
crushed,  and  the  mutineers  consented  to  return.  Dis- 
content, however,  prevailed,  and  the  volunteers  looked 
anxiously  forward  to  the  10th  of  December,  the  time 
when  they  supposed  the  term  of  their  enlistment  ex- 
pired. They  had  originally  enlisted  for  twelve 
months,  and  counting  in  the  time  they  had  been  dis- 
banded, after  their  return  from  Katchez,  the  year 
would  be  completed  on  that  date.  But  Jackson  re- 
fused to  allow  the  time  they  were  not  in  actual  ser- 
vice. Letters  passed  between  the  officers  and  him- 
self, and  every  effort  was  made  on  his  part  to  allay 
the  excitement,  and  convince  the  troops  of  the  justice 
of  his  demands.  He  appealed  to  their  j^atriotism, 
their  courage,  and  honor,  and  finally  told  them  if  the 
General  Government  gave  permission  for  their  dis- 
charge, he  would  discharge  them,  otherwise  they 
should  walk  over  his  dead  body,  before  they  stirred  a 
foot,  until  the  twelve  months'  actual  service  was 
accomplished.  Anticipating  trouble,  he  wrote  home 
for  reinforcements,  and  sent  off  officers  for  recruits. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  10th  of  December  drew  near, 
and  every  heart  was  filled  with  anxiety  for  the  result. 


A  SECOND  jnrnNT.  277 

A  portion  of  the  armj  was  resolved  to  take  tlieir  dis- 
charge, whether  granted  or  not.  It  was  not  a  sudden 
impulse,  created  by  want  and  suffering,  but  a  well- 
considered  and  settled  determination,  grounded  on 
what  they  considered  their  rights.  The  thing  had 
been  long  discussed,  and  many  of  the  officers  had 
given  their  decided  opinion  that  the  time  of  the  men 
actually  expired  on  the  10th.  Jackson  knew  that  his 
troops  were  brave,  and  when  backed  by  the  conscious- 
ness of  right,  would  be  resolute  and  firm.  But  he  had 
made  up  his  mind  to  prevent  mutiny,  though  he  was 
compelled  to  sacrifice  a  whole  regiment  in  doing  it. 

At  length,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th,  General  Hall 
entered  the  tent  of  Jackson,  and  informed  him  that 
his  whole  brigade  was  in  a  state  of  revolt.  The  latter 
immediately  issued  an  order  stating  the  fact,  and  cal- 
ling on  all  the  officers  to  aid  in  quelling  it.  He  then 
directed  the  two  guns  he  had  with  him,  to  be  placed, 
one  in  front  and  the  other  in  the  rear,  and  the  militia 
on  the  rising  ground  in  advance,  to  check  any  move- 
ment in  that  direction,  and  waited  the  result.  The 
brigade  assembled,  and  were  soon  in  marching  order. 
Jackson  then  rode  slowly  along  the  line,  and  address- 
ed the  soldiers.  He  reminded  them  of  their  former 
good  conduct,  spoke  of  the  love  and  esteem  he  had 
always  borne  them,  of  the  reinforcements  on  the  way, 
saying,  also,  that  he  expected  every  day,  the  decision 

of  the  government,  on  the  question  of  their  discharge, 
14 


278 


ANDREW   JACKSON. 


and  wound  up  by  telling  them  emj^liaticallj,  that  he 
had  done  with  entreaty, — go  they  should  not,  and  if 
they  j^ersisted,  he  would  settle  the  matter  in  a  very 
few  minutes.     He  demanded  an  immediate  and  ex- 
plicit answer.     They  persisted.     He  repeated  his  de- 
mand, and  still  receiving  no  answer,  he  ordered  the 
artillerists  to  prepare  their  matches,  and  at  the  word 
"  fire,"  to  pour  their  volleys  of  grape-shot  into  the 
closely  crowded  ranks.     There  he  sat,  gazing  sternly 
down    the   line,   v»'hile   the   few   moments   of  grace 
allowed  them,  were  passing  rapidly  away.     The  men 
knew  it  was  no  idle  threat.      He  had  never  been 
known  to  break  his  word,  and  that  sooner  than  swerve 
one  hair  from  his  j^urpose,  he  would  drench  that  field 
in  blood.     Alarmed,  they  began  to  whisper  one  to 
another,  "  Let  us  go  back."     The  contagion  of  fear 
spread,  and  soon  the  officers  advanced,  and  promised, 
on  behalf  of  the  men,  that  they  would  retm-n  to  their 
quarters. 

As  if  to  try  this  resolute  man  to  the  utmost,  and 
drive  him  to  despair,  no  sooner  was  one  evil  averted 
than  another  overtook  him.  He  had,  by  his  bold- 
ness, quelled  the  mutiny ;  but  he  now  began  again 
to  feel  the  horrors  of  famine.  Supplies  did  not 
arrive ;  or  in  sucb  scanty  proportion,  that  he  was 
compelled,  at  last,  to  discharge  the  troops,  and,  not- 
withstanding all  the  distressing  scenes  through 
which  he  had  passed  to  retain  them,  see  them  take 


DEFEATS   THE   INDIANS.  2T9 

up  tlieir  line  of  march  for  home,  leaving  him,  with 
only  a  hmidred  devoted  followers,  shut  up  in  the 
forest.     Here  he  remained  till  the  middle  of  Jan- 
nary,  when  he  was  gladdened  by  the  arrival  of  eight 
hundred  recruits.      Kot   deeming  these,  however, 
sufficient  to  penetrate  into  the  heart  of  the  Creek 
country,  he  resolved  to  make  a  diversion  in  favor  of 
General  Floyd,  who  was  advancing  from  the  east. 
Hearing  that  a  large  number  of  Indians,  were  en- 
camped on  the  Emuckfaw  Creek,  where  it  empties 
into  the  Tallapoosa  River,  he  marched  thither,  and 
on  the  evening  of  the  21st  of  January,  arrived  with- 
in a  short  distance  of  their  encampment.     Tlie  In- 
dians were  aware  of  his  approach,  and  resolved  to 
anticipate  his  attack.     To  prevent  a  surprise,  how- 
ever, Jackson  had  ordered  a  circle  of  watch-fires  to 
be  built  around  his  little  band.     The  men  stood  to 
their  arms  all  night;  and  just  before  daylight,   a 
wild,  unearthly  yell,  which  always  precedes  an  at- 
tack, went  up  from  the  forest,  and  the  next  moment 
the  'savages  charged    down   on    the  camp.      But, 
the  instant  the  light  of  the  watch-fires  fell  on  their 
tawny  bodies  they  were  swept  with  such  a  destruc- 
tive volley,  that  they  again  took  shelter  in  the  dark- 
ness.    At  length,  daylight  appeared,  when  General 
Coffee  ordered  a  charge,  which  cleared  the  field. 
He  was  then  directed  to  advance  on  the  encamp- 
ment with  four  hundred  men,  and  carry  it  by  storm. 


280  AOT)EE.W  JACKSON. 

On  his  ap2)roacli,  liowever,  lie  found  it  too  strong  for 
his  force,  and  he  retired.  Jackson,  attacked  in  re- 
tm*n,  was  compelled  to  charge  repeatedly,  before  the 
savages  finally  took  to  flight.  Many  of  their  brav- 
est warriors  fell  in  this  short  conflict ;  while,  on 
the  American  side,  several  valuable  officers  were 
badly  wounded,  among  them  General  Coifee,  who, 
from  the  commencement  to  the  close,  was  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight. 

IS^otwithstanding  his  victory,  Jackson  prudently 
determined  to  retreat.  He  had  gained  his  object ; 
for  in  drawing  the  attention  of  the  Indians  to  his  own 
force,  he  had  diverted  it  from  that  under  General 
Floyd.  Besides,  his  horses  had  been  without  forage 
for  two  days,  and  would  soon  break  down.  He, 
therefore,  buried  the  dead  on  the  field  where  they  had 
fallen  ;  and,  on  the  23d,  began  to  retrace  his  foot- 
steps. Judging  from  the  quietness  of  the  Indians 
since  the  battle,  he  suspected  they  were  lurking  in 
ambush  ahead.  Remembering  also  what  an  excel- 
lent place  there  was  for  a  surprise  at  the  ford  of  En- 
otochopeo,  he  sent  men  in  advance  to  reconnoitre, 
who  discovered  another  ford  some  six  hundered  yards 
farther  down  the  stream.  Reaching  this  just  at  even- 
ing, he  encamped  there  all  night,  and  the  next  morn- 
ing commenced  crossing.  He  expected  an  attack 
while  in  the  middle  of  the  stream,  and,  therefore, 
had  his  rear  formed  in  order  of  battle.     His  anticipa- 


ATTACKED   BY    INDIAN'S.      .  281 

tions  proved  correct ;  for  no  sooner  had  a  part  of  the 
army  reached  the  opposite  bank,  than  an  alarm-gun 
was  heard  in  the  rear.  In  an  instant,  all  was  in  com- 
motion. The  next  moment,  the  forest  resounded  with 
the  war-whoop  and  yells  of  the  savages,  as  they  came 
rushing  on  in  great  numbers.  As  they  crowded  on 
the  militia,  the  latter,  with  their  officers,  gave  way  in 
affright,  and  poured  pell-mell  down  the  bank.  Jack- 
son was  standing  on  the  shore  superintending  the 
crossing  of  his  two  pieces  of  artillery,  when  his 
broken  ranks  came  tumbling  about  him.  Foremost 
among  the  fugitives  was  Captain  Stump ;  and  Jackson, 
enraged  at  the  shameful  disorder,  aimed  a  desperate 
blow  at  him  with  his  sword,  fully  intending  to  cut 
him  down.  One  glance  of  his  eye  revealed  the  whole 
extent  of  the  danger.  But  for  General  Carroll,  who, 
with  Captain  Quarles  and  twenty-five  men,  stood 
nobly  at  bay,  beating  back  with  their  deliberate  vol- 
leys the  hordes  of  savages,  the  entire  rear  of  the  army 
would  have  been  massacred.  But,  over  the  din  and 
tumult,  Jackson's  voice  rang  clear  and  steady  as  a 
bugle-note,  as  he  rapidly  issued  his  orders.  The  gal- 
lant and  intrepid  Coffee,  roused  by  the  tumult,  raised 
himself  from  the  litter  on  which  he  lay  wounded,  and 
casting  one  glance  on  the  panic,  and  another  upon 
the  little  band  that  stood  like  a  rock  embedded  in  the 
farther  bank,  leaped  to  the  ground,  and  with  one  bound 
landed  in  his  saddle.    The  next  moment,  his  shout  of 


282  .  ANDREW    JACKSON. 

encouragement  broke  on  the  ears  of  his  companions 
as  he  dashed  forward  to  the  conflict.  Jackson  looked 
lip  in  surprise  as  that  pale  face  galloped  up  the  bank, 
and  then  his  rage  at  the  cowardice  of  the  men  gave 
way  to  the  joy  of  the  true  hero  when  another  hero 
moves  to  his  side,  and  he  shouted,  "  We  shall  whip 
them  3^et,  my  men !  the  dead  have  risen^  and  come  to 
aid  lis?''  The  company  of  artillery  followed,  leaving 
Lieutenant  Armstrong  and  a  few  men  to  drag  up  tlie 
cannon.  Wlien  one  of  the  guns,  at  length,  reached 
the  top  of  the  bank,  the  rammer  and  picker  were  no- 
where to  be  found.  A  man  instantly  wrenched  the 
bayonet  from  his  musket,  and  rammed  home  the  car- 
tridge with  his  stock,  and  picked  it  with  his  ramrod. 
Lieutenant  Armstrong  fell  beside  his  piece  ;  but  as 
he  lay  upon  the  ground,  he  cried  out,  "  My  brave 
fellows,  some  of  you  must  fall ;  but  save  the  cannon." 
Such  heroism  is  always  contagious  ;  and  the  men 
soon  rallied,  and  charging  home  on  the  savages, 
turned  them  in  flight  on  every  side. 

After  burying  his  dead  and  caring  for  the  wound- 
ed, Jackson  resumed  his  march  ;  and,  four  days  after, 
reached  Fort  Strother  in  safety.  Xearly  one-eighth 
of  his  little  army  had  been  killed  or  wounded  since 
he  left  the  post,  and  he  now  dismissed  the  remainder, 
who  claimed  that  the  time  of  their  enlistment  was  ex- 
pired ;  and  quietly  waited  till  sufiicient  reinforcements 
should  arrive  for  him  to  undertake  a  thorough  cam- 


REINFORCEMENTS.  283 

paigii  into  the  Creek  country.  They  soon  began  to 
come  in  ;  for  his  bravery  and  success  awakened  con- 
fidence, and  stimulated  the  ambition  of  thousands, 
who  were  sure  to  win  distinction  under  such  a  leader, 
and,  by  March,  he  found  himself  at  the  head  of  four 
thousand  militia  and  volunteers,  and  a  regiment  of  re- 
gular troops,  together  with  several  hundred  friendly 
Indians.  While  preparing  to  advance,  mutiny  again 
broke  out  in  the  camp.  He  determined  this  time  to 
make  an  example  which  should  deter  others  in 
future ;  and  a  private,  being  tried  and  convicted,  was 
shot.  The  spectacle  was  not  lost  on  the  soldiers,  and 
nothing  more  was  heard  of  a  revolt. 

Having  comj)leted  all  his  arrangements,  Jackson, 
wdth  four  thousand  men,  advanced,  on  the  16th  of 
March,  into  the  Creek  country.  At  the  junction  of 
the  Cedar  Creek  with  the  Coosa  River,  he  established 
Fort  Williams,  and  left  a  garrison.  He  then  contin- 
ued his  march,  with  some  two  thousand  five  hundred 
men,  towards  his  previous  battle-ground  atEmuckfaw. 
About  five  miles  below  it,  in  the  bend  of  the  Talla- 
poosa, the  Indians,  a  thousand  strong,  had  entrenched 
themselves,  determined  to  give  battle, — they  were  on 
sacred  ground ;  for  all  that  tract  between  the  Coosa 
and  Tallapoosa  Rivers,  known  as  the  "hickory 
ground,"  their  prophets  had  told  them  the  white  man 
could  never  conquer.  This  bend  contained  about  a 
hundred  acres,  around  which  the  river  wraj)ped  itself 


284  AXDKEW    JACKSON. 

in  the  form  of  a  horse-slioe,  from  whence  it  derived 
its  name.  Across  the  neck  leading  to  this  open  plain, 
the  Indians  had  erected  a  breastwork  of  logs,  seven 
or  eight  feet  high,  and  pierced  it  with  a  double  row 
of  port-holes.  Behind  it,  the  ground  rose  into  an 
elevation  ;  while  still  farther  back,  along  the  shore, 
lay  the  village,  in  which  were  the  women  and  chil- 
dren. Early  in  the  morning  of  the  25th,  Jackson 
ordered  General  Coffee  to  take  the  mounted  riflemen 
and  the  friendly  Indians  and  cross  the  river  at  a  ford 
below,  and  stretch  around  the  bend,  on  the  opposite 
bank  from  the  village,  so  as  to  prevent  the  fugitives 
from  escaping.  lie  then  advanced  in  front,  and  took 
Tip  his  position,  and  opened  on  the  breastwork  with 
his  light  artillery.  The  cannonade  was  kept  up  for 
two  hours  without  producing  any  effect.  In  the  mean 
time,  the  friendly  Indians  attached  to  General  Coffee's 
command  had  swam  the  river  and  loosened  a  large 
number  of  canoes,  which  they  brought  back.  Captain 
Eussell's  company  of  spies  immediately  leaped  into 
them,  and,  with  the  friendly  Indians,  crossed  over 
and  set  the  village  on  fire,  and  with  loud  shouts 
pressed  towards  the  rear  of  the  encampment.  The 
Indians  returned  the  shout  of  defiance,  and,  with  a 
courage  and  steadiness  they  seldom  exhibited,  repell- 
ed every  effort  to  advance. 

The  troops  under  Jackson  heard  the  din  of  the 
conflict  within,  and  clamored  loudly  to  be  led  to  the 


BATTLE  OF  THE  HORSE  SHOE.  285 

assault.     He,  however,  held  them  back,  and  stood 
and  listened.     Discovering,  at  length,  by  the  inces- 
sant firing  in  a  single  place,  that  the  Americans  were 
making  no  progress,  he  ordered  the  bugles  to  sound 
the  charge.     A  loud  and  thrilling  shout  rolled  along 
the  American  line,  and,  with  levelled  bayonets,  the 
excited  ranks  precipitated  themselves  on  the  breast- 
work.    A  withering  fire  received  them,  the  rifle-balls 
sweeping  like  a  sudden  gust  of  sleet,  in  their  very 
faces.      ISTot   an   Indian   flinched,    and   many  were 
pierced  through  the  port-holes  ;  while,  in  several  in- 
stances, the  enemy's  bullets  were  welded  to  the  Ame- 
rican bayonets.     The  swarthy  warriors  looked  grimly 
through  the  openings,  as  though  impervious  to  death. 
This,  however,was  of  short  duration,  and  soon  the  breast- 
work was  black  with  men,  as  they  streamed  up  the 
sides.     Major  Montgomery  was  the  first  who  planted 
his  foot  on  the  top,  but  he  had  scarcely  waved  his 
sword  in  triumph  above  his  head,  when  he  fell  back 
npon   his   companions,  dead.     A  cry  of  vengeance 
swelled  up  from  his  followers,  and  the  next  moment 
the  troops  rolled  like  a  sudden  inundation  over  the 
barrier.     It  then  became  a  hand-to-hand  fight ;  the 
savages  refused  to  yield,  and  with  gleaming  knives 
and  tomahawks,  and  clubbed  rifles  and  muskets,  the 
battle  raged  through  the  encampment.     High  and 
wild  over  the  incessant  rattle  of  musketry  and  clash, 
of  arms,  arose  the  shouts  of  the  prophets,  as  dancing 


286  AXDKEW    JACKSON. 

frantically  around  their  blazing  dwellings,  tLey  con- 
tinued their  strange  incantations,  still  crying  victory. 
At  length  one  was  shot  in  the  mouth,  as  if  to  give 
the  lie  to  his  declarations.     Pressed  in  front  and 
rear,  many  at  last  turned  and  fled.     But  the  uner- 
ring rifle  dropped  them  along  the  shore  ;  while  those 
who  endeavored  to  save  themselves  by  swimming, 
sunk  in  mid-stream  under  the  deadly  fire  of  Coffee's 
mounted  men.     The  greater  part,  however,  fought 
and  fell,  face  to  face,  with  their  foes.     It  was  a  long 
and  desperate  struggle  ;  not  a  soul  asked  for  quarter, 
but  turned,  with  a  last  look  of  hate  and  defiance,  on 
his   conqueror.     As  the  ranks*  became  thinned,  it 
ceased  to  be  a  fight,  and  became  a  butchery.    Driven 
at  last  from  the  breastwork,  the  few  surviving  war- 
riors took  refuge  in  the  brush  and  timber  on  the 
hill.     "Wishing  to  spare  their  lives,  Jackson  sent  an 
interpreter  to  them,  offering  them  pardon  ;  but  they 
proudly  refused  it,  and  fired  on  the  messenger.     He 
then  turned  his  cannon  on  the  spot,  but  failing  to 
dislodge  them,  ordered  the  grass  and  brush  to  be 
fired.     Driven  out  by  the  flames,  they  ran  for  the 
river,  but  most  of  them  fell  before  they  reached  the 
water.     On  every  side  the  crack  of  the  rifle  told 
how  many  eyes  were  on  the  fugitives.     Darkness  at 
last  closed  the  scene,  and  still  night,  broken  only  by 
the  cries  of  the  wounded,  fell  on  the  forest  and 


SAVES    A    WAUKTOR.  2S7 

river.  Nearly  eiglit  liimdred  of  tlie  Indians  liad 
fallen,  five  hundred  and  fifty-seven  of  whom  lay 
stark  and  stiff  around  and  in  that  encami^ment. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans,  in  killed  and  wounded, 
was  about  two  hundred. 

An  incident  occurred  after  the  battle,  which  pre- 
sented in  striking  contrast  the  two  opposite  natures 
of  Jackson. 

An  Indian  wan-ior,  severely  wounded,  was  brought 
to  him,  whom  he  x^laced  at  once  in  the  hands  of  a  sur- 
geon. While  under  the  operation,  the  bold,  athletic 
warrior  looked  up,  and  asked  Jackson  in  broken 
English,  "  Cure  'im,  kill  'im  again  ?"  The  latter  re- 
plied, "  No  ;  on  the  contrary,  he  should  be  well 
taken  care  of."  He  recovered,  and  Jackson  pleased 
with  his  noble  bearing,  sent  him  to  his  own  house 
in  Tennessee,  and  afterwards  had  him  taught  a  trade 
in  Nashville,  where  he  eventually  married  and  set- 
tled down  in  business.  When  that  terrible  ferocity, 
which  took  entire  possession  of  this  strange,  indo- 
mitable man  in  battle,  subsided  away,  the  most  gen- 
tle and  tender  emotions  usurped  its  place.  The  tiger 
and  the  lamb  united  in  his  single  person. 

The  tired  soldier  slept  on  the  field  of  slaughter, 
around  the  smouldering  fires  of  the  Indian  dwellings. 
The  next  morning  they  sunk  the  dead  bodies  of  their 
companions  in  the   river,  to   save  them  from  the 


288  AXDEEW    JACKSOX. 

scalping-knives  of  the  savages,  and  then  took  up 
their  backward  march  to  Fort  William. 

The  oric^inal  desii>;n  of  havino;  the  three  armies 
from  Tennessee,  Georgia,  and  Mississij^j^i,  meet  in  the 
centre  of  the  Creek  nation,  and  thus  crush  it  with 
one  united  effort,  had  never  been  carried  out,  and 
Jackson  now  resolved  alone  to  overrun  and  subdue 
the  country.  Issuing  a  noble  address  to  his  troops, 
he,  on  the  7th  of  April,  set  out  for  the  Indian  vil- 
lage of  Hoithlowalle.  But  he  met  with  no  opposi- 
tion ;  the  battle  of  Tohopeka  had  completely  pros- 
trated the  tribe,  and  the  war  was  virtually  at  an  end. 
He,  however,  scoured  the  country,  the  Indians 
everywhere  fleeing  before  the  terror  of  his  name. 
On  his  march,  he  sent  orders  to  Colonel  Milton,  who, 
with  a  strong  force,  was  also  advancing  into  the 
Creek  country,  to  send  him  provisions.  The  latter 
returned  a  cavalier  refusal.  Jackson  then  sent  a 
preremptory  order,  not  only  to  forward  provisions, 
but  to  join  him  at  once  with  his  trooj^s.  Colonel 
Milton,  after  reading  the  order,  asked  the  bearer 
what  sort  of  a  man  Jackson  was.  ''  One,"  he  re- 
plied, "who  intends,  when  he  gives  an  order,  to 
have  it  obeyed."  The  colonel  concluded  to  obey, 
and  soon  effected  a  junction  with  his  troops.  Jack- 
son then  resumed  his  march  along  the  banks  of  the 
Tallapoosa  ;  but  he  had  hardly  set  the  leading 
column  in  motion,  when  word  was   brought  him 


ENDS   THE    WAR.  289 

tliat  Colonel  Milton's  brigade  conld  not  follow,  as 
the  wagon-horses  had  strayed  away  during  the 
night,  and  could  not  be  found.  Jackson  immedi- 
ately sent  him  word  to  detail  twenty  men  to  each 
wagon.  The  astonished .  colonel  soon  found  horses 
sufficient  to  draw  the  wagons. 

The  enemy,  however,  did  not  make  a  stand,  and 
either  fled,  or  came  in  voluntarily  to  tender  their 
submission.  llie  latter  part  of  April,  General 
Pinckney  arrived  at  JFort  Jackson,  and  assumed 
the  command,  and  General  Jackson  returned  to 
Tennessee,  greeted  with  acclamations,  and  covered 
with  honors.  In  a  few  months  peace  was  restored 
with  all  the  Southern  tribes,  and  the  machinations 
of  England  in  that  quarter  completely  frustrated. 

There  is  nothing  in  the  history  of  our  country 
more  remarkable  than  this  campaign,  and  nothing 
illustrates  the  genius  of  this  nation  more  than  it  and 
the  man  who  can-ied  it  triumphantly  through. 
Kising  from  a  sick  couch,  he  called  to  the  young 
men  of  every  profession  to  rally  to  the  defence  of 
their  country.  Placing  himself  at  the  head  of  the 
brave  but  undisciplined  bands  that  gathered  at  his 
call,  he  boldly  plunged  into  the  untrodden  wilder- 
ness. Unskilled  in  the  art  of  war,  never  having 
witnessed  a  battle  since  he  was  a  boy,  he  did  not 
hesitate  to  assume  the  command  of  an  army  without 


290  AXDEEW    .TACKSOX. 

discipline,  and  vritliout  knowledge  of  tlie  toils  and 
difficulties  before  it.  Yet  with  it  lie  crossed  broad 
rivers,  climbed  pathless  mountains,  and  penetrated 
almost  impassable  swamps  filled  with  crafty  savages. 
More  subtle  and  more  tireless  than  his  foes,  he 
thwarted  all  their  schemes.  With  famine  on  one 
side  and  an  army  in  open  mutiny  on  the  other,  he 
scorned  to  yield  to  discouragement,  and  would  not 
be  forced  by  the  apparently  insurmountable  obsta- 
cles that  opposed  his  progress  from  his  j)urpose.  By 
his  constancy  and  more  than  Roman  fortitude,  com- 
pelling adversity  at  length  to  relent,  and  quelling 
his  rebellious  troops  by  the  terror  of  his  presence 
and  his  indomitable  will,  he  at  last,  with  a  smile  of 
triumph,  saw  his  columns  winding  over  the  conse- 
crated grounds  of  the  savages.  Soon  his  battle- 
shout  was  heard  rising  over  the  crackling  of  burn- 
ing villages.  Ejngs,  prophets,  and  chieftains  fell 
under  his  strokes  ;  and  crushing  towns,  villages,  and 
fortresses  under  his  feet,  he  at  last,  with  one  terrible 
blow,  paralysed  the  nation  for  ever. 

Indian  warfare  presents  none  of  the  pomp  and 
grandeur  of  great  battle-fields,  yet  it  calls  out  equal- 
ly striking  qualities,  and  often  requires  more  prompt- 
ness and  self-possession,  and  greater  mental  resouixes 
in  a  commander.  Es2:)ecially  with  such  an  army  as 
Jackson  had  under  him,  the  task  he  accomplished 
was   Ilercnlean,   and    reveals    a    cliaracter  of  vast 


HIS   RESOLrTION. 


291 


strengtli  and  execiitiveness.  Tliat  single  man,  stand- 
ing np  alone  in  tlie  heart  of  the  wilderness,  and 
boldly  facing  his  famine-struck  and  rebellious  army, 
presents  a  scene  partaking  far  more  of  the  moral 
sublime  than  Cromwell  seizing  a  rebel  from  the 
very  midst  of  his  murmuring  band. 

His  gloomy  isolation  for  a  whole  winter,  with  only 
a  few  devoted  followers,  reveals  a  fixedness  of  pur- 
pose and  grandeur  of  character  that  no  circum- 
stances could  afi*ect.  Inferior  to  the  contagion  of 
fear,  unaffected  by  general  discouragement,  equal  in 
himself  to  every  emergency,  he  moves  before  us  in 
this  campaign  the  embodiment  of  the  noblest  quali- 
ties that  distinguish  the  American  race. 


CHAPTEK  II. 

Appointed  Major-Ger.eral— Attack  on  Fort  Bowyer— March  on  Pensacola— Ad- 
vances to  New  Orleans— Excitement  in  the  city — Landing  of  the  British— Jack- 
son's night  attack— Resolves  to  entrench  himself— Turns  the  Legislature  out  of 
doors — British  advance  to  the  assault  and  are  repulsed — Second  attack — Arrival 
of  reinforcements,  and  final  battle— Jackson  fined  by  Judge  Hall— Eeturns  home 
— Sent  to  quell  the  Indians  in  Florida— Conduct  there — Appointed  governor — 
Elected  to  the  United  States  Senate— Democratic  candidate  for  President— Elected 
President— Veto  of  Uni.*d  States  Bank— Elected  for  a  second  term— Arrests  the 
spirit  of  disunion— Eeview  of  his  administration — He  retires  to  private  life— His 
last  illness  and  death. 

Jackson  did  not  rest  long  on  his  laurels  ;  for  the  war 
seemed  still  farther  from  a  termination  than  at  its 
commencement.  The  abdication  of  Kapoleon,  and 
the  re-ascendancy  of  the  oppressive  monarchies  of 
Europe,  gave  England  a  breathing  space,  and  the 
vast  fleets  and  armies  she  had  loaned  to  feudalism 
for  the  overthrow  of  free  principles,  could  now  be 
transferred  to  this  continent  to  carry  out  here  the 
t}Tannical  system  which  was  fast  covering  her  with 


APPOINTED    aiAJOR-GENERAL.  293 

infamy  abroad.  Recoiling  from  the  impregnable 
coast  that  burled  back  ber  fleets  in  tbe  ]S"ortb,  sbe 
projected  a  grand  descent  on  the  more  feebly  pro- 
tected Soutbern  cities. 

In  tbe  meantime,  General  Harrison  baving  re- 
signed bis  command  in  tbe  army,  Jackson  was  ap- 
pointed major-general  in  bis  place,  and  tbe  protec- 
tion of  tbe  coast,  near  tbe  moutb  of  tbe  Mississippi, 
intrusted  to  bis  care.  Pensacola  was  tben  under 
Spanisb  antbority,  and  as  tbe  resort  of  British  emis- 
saries, who  stirred  np  tbe  surrounding  savages  to 
massacre  and  bloodshed,  bad  long  occupied  his 
thoughts,  and  be  was  determined  to  take  active  mea- 
sures against  it.  In  August,  be  sent  Captain  Gordon 
to  reconnoitre  tbe  place,  who  reported,  on  bis  return, 
that  he  bad  seen  a  number  of  soldiers  and  several 
bimdred  savages  in  British  uniform  under  drill  by 
British  officers.  Jackson  immediately  despatched 
this  report  to  government.  Under  such  a  palpable 
violation  of  treaty  stipulations  there  was  only  one 
course  to  be  pursued,  and  Gen.  Armstrong,  the  Sec- 
retary of  "War,  issued  an  order  authorising  Jackson 
to  attack  the  town.  This  order  was  made  out ;  but, 
by  some  mysterious  process,  was  so  long  in  getting 
into  the  post-office,  that  it  never  reached  its  destina- 
tion till  the  ITth  of  January  the  next  year.  Jackson 
waited  patiently  for  the  sanction  of  bis  government 
to  move  forward,  not  wishing  that  his  first  important 


294  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

stejD  as  Major-G-eneral  in  the  regular  army  should 
meet  the  disapproval  of  those  who  had  entrusted 
him  with  power.  But  a  proclamation,  issued  by  a 
British  officer  named  Xicholls,  and  dated  Pensacola, 
calling  on  all  the  negroes  and  savages,  nay,  even  the 
Americans  themselves,  to  rally  to  the  British  standard, 
put  an  end  to  his  indecision,  and  he  immediately 
made  preparations  to  attack  the  place. 

In  the  meantime,  KichoUs  made  an  attempt  on 
Fort  Bowyer,  a  small  redoubt,  garrisoned  by  one 
hundred  and  twenty  men,  and  defended  by  twenty 
pieces  of  cannon.  This  fortress  commanded  the  en- 
trance from  the  Gulf  to  Mobile.  To  capture  it,  four 
British  ships,  carrying  ninety  guns,  and  a  land  force 
of  over  seven  hundred  men,  started  from  Pensacola 
on  the  12tli  of  September.  On  the  loth,  the  ships 
took  up  their  position  within  musket-shot  of  the  fort, 
and  opened  their  fire.  The  land  force,  in  the  mean- 
time, had  gained  the  rear,  and  commenced  an  attack. 
Major  Lawrence,  with  the  gallant  garrison  under  his 
command,  met  this  double  onset  with  the  coolness 
of  a  veteran.  Scattering  the  motley  collection  under 
jS'icholls,  with  a  few  discharges  of  grape-shot,  he 
turned  his  entire  attention  to  the  vessels  of  war. 
Being  in  such  close  range,  the  cannonading  on  both 
sides  was  terrific.  Tlie  incessant  and  heavy  explo- 
sions shook  that  little  redoubt  to  its  foundations  ;  but 
at  the  end  of  three  hours,  the  smoke  slowly  curled 


FORT   BOWYER.  295 

away  from  its  battered  sides,  revealing  the  flag  still 
flying  aloft,  and  the  begrimed  cannoniers  standing 
sternly  beside  their  heated  pieces.  The  firing  of  the 
enemy  had  ceased,  and  the  ship  Hermes  disabled, 
was  drifting  on  a  sand-bank,  while  the  other  vessels 
were  crowding  all  sail  seaward.  The  former  soon 
after  grounded  within  six  hundred  yards  of  the  fort, 
whose  guns  opened  on  her  anew  with  such  tremen- 
dous effect  that,  out  of  the  one  hundred  and  seventy 
who  composed  her  crew,  only  twenty  escaped.  The 
other  ships  suffered  severely,  and  the  total  loss  of 
the  enemy  was  one  ship  burned,  and  two  hundred 
and  thirty-two  men  killed  and  wounded,  while  only 
eight  of  the  garrison  were  killed.  Kicholls  effected 
his  retreat  to  Pensacola,  where  the  governor  received 
him  as  his  guest,  and  threw  open  the  public  stores 
to  the  soldiers.  On  the  flag-staff  of  the  fort  were 
"  entwined  the  colors  of  Spain  and  England,"  as  if 
on  purpose  to  announce  that  all  neutrality  was  at  an 
end. 

These  things  coming  to  Jackson's  ear,  he  resolved 
without  delay,  to  get  possession  of  the  town  and  fort, 
''  peaceably  if  he  could,  forcibly  if  he  must."  He 
immediately  hastened  to  Fort  Montgomery,  where 
he  had  assembled  four  thousand  men,  and  putting 
himself  at  their  head,  in  four  days  encamped  within 
two  miles  of  the  place.  Tliis  was  on  the  6th  of  No- 
vember, and  he   at  once  despatched  a  flag  to  the 


206  ANDKEW   JACKSON. 

Spanish  governor,  disclosing   liis  object  and   pur- 
pose.     The    messenger   was   fired  upon  from  the 
fort,  and  compelled  to  return.     Jackson's  fiery  na- 
ture was    instantly  aroused  by  this  insult,  yet  re- 
membering  that  he  was  acting  without  the  sanc- 
tion of  government,  he  resolved  still  to  negotiate. 
Having,  at  length,  succeeded  in  oj^ening  a   corres- 
pondence with  the  governor,  he  told  him  that  he 
had  come  to  take  possession  of  the  town,  and  hold 
it  for  Spain  till  she  was  able  to  preserve  her  neutral- 
ity.    The  governor  refusing  entirely  to  be  relieved 
from  his  charge,  Jackson  put  his  columns  in  motion 
and  marched  straight  on  the  town.    At  the  entrance, 
a  battery  of  two  cannon   opened  on  his  central  col- 
umn ;  but  being  speedily  carried  by  storm,  together 
with  two  fortified  houses,   the   troops,    with   loud 
shouts,  pressed  forward,  and  in  a  few  minutes  were 
masters   of  the  j)lace.     The   Spanish   governor    no 
sooner  saw  the  American  soldiers  with  loud  hurrahs 
inundating  the  streets,  than  he  rushed  forward,  im- 
ploring mercy,  and  promising  an  immediate  surren- 
der.     Jackson   at   once   ordered   the   recall   to  be 
sounded,  and  retired  without  the  town.     The  com- 
mandant of  the  fort,  however,  refused  to  surrender 
it,  when  Jackson  ordered  an  assault.     The  former 
wisely  averted  the  approaching  blow  by  lowering 
his  flaff.     The  British  fled,  takino:  with  them  their 


ATTACKS   TENSACOLA.  297 

allies,  four  hundred  of  wliom  being  negroes,  were 
carried  to  the  West  Indies,  and  sold  for  slaves. 

Having  thus  chastised  the  Spanish  governor,  and 
broken  up  the  plans  laid  to  renew  the  Indian  war, 
Jackson  took  up  his  march  for  ^N^ew  Orleans,  which 
he  knew  would  be  the  chief  point  of  attack.  He 
established  his  head-quarters  there,  on  the  1st  of 
December ;  and  three  days  after,  the  news  that  a 
large  British  fleet  was  approaching  the  coast,  spread 
like  wild-fire  through  the  city.  The  report  was  soon 
confirmed,  and  Jackson,  whom  danger  always  tran- 
quillized, while  it  filled  him  with  tenfold  energy, 
began  to  prepare  for  the  approaching  shock.  'New 
Orleans,  numbering  at  that  time  only  thirty  thou- 
sand ^inhabitants,  was  but  recently  purchased  from 
France,  and  the  population,  being  composed  mostly 
of  those  in  whose  veins  flowed  Spanish  and  French 
blood,  did  not  feel  the  same  patriotic  ardor  that  ani- 
mated the  Eastern  cities.  Many  were  known  to  be 
hostile,  and  were  suspected  of  carrying  on  treasona- 
ble correspondence  with  the  enemy.  Feeling  that 
he  had  but  a  slender  hold  on  the  city,  and  knowing 
that  secret  foes  watched  and  reported  all  his  move- 
ment, Jackson  was  compelled  to  act  with  extreme 
caution. 

This  hostility,  as  it  were,  in  his  own  camp,  added 
immensely  to  the  embarrassments  that  surrounded 
him.     But  calm,  keen,  resolute,  tireless,  and  full  of 


298  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

courage,  lie  soon  inspired  the  patriotic  citizens  with 
confidence.  Resources  they  had  not  dreamed  of, 
sprang  up  at  his  bidding.  But  it  needed  all  the  re- 
nown he  had  won,  and  all  his  personal  influence,  to 
impart  the  faintest  promise  of  success. 

He  had  brought  only  a  portion  of  his  troops  with 
him  from  Pensacola.  But  no  sooner  did  he  arrive, 
than  he  inspected  narrowly  the  inlets,  bayous,  and 
channels,  marked  out  the  location  of  works,  ordered 
obstructions  raised,  and  then  called  on  the  different 
States  to  send  him  help.  A  thousand  regulars  were 
immediately  ordered  to  JSTew  Orleans,  while  the  Ten- 
nessee militia,  under  General  Carrol,  and  the  mount- 
ed riflemen,  under  General  Coffee,  hastened  as  of 
old,  to  his  side.  Concealing  as  much  as  possible  the 
weakness  of  his  force,  and  the  bad  appointments  of 
many  of  the  soldiers,  he  strained  every  nerve  to  in- 
crease the  means  of  defence.  The  French  inhabi- 
tants forgot  their  hostility  to  the  Americans  in  the 
greater  hate  of  the  English,  while  many  others,  who, 
hitherto,  had  taken  little  or  no  interest  in  the  war, 
roused  by  the  sudden  danger  that  threatened  them, 
flew  to  arms.  The  free  negroes  and  refugees  from 
St.  Domingo,  formed  themselves  into  a  black  regi- 
ment, and  were  incorporated  into  the  army.  Jack- 
son's energy  and  courage  soon  changed  the  whole 
current  of  feeling,  and,  day  and  night,  the  sounds 
of  martial  preparation  echoed  along  the  streets  of 


ALAEM   IN   TUE   CITY.  299 

the  city.  The  excitement  swelled  higher  and  high- 
er, as  the  hostile  fleet  gradually  closed  towards  the 
mouth  of  the  Mississippi.  But  one  thought  occu- 
pied every  bosom, — one  topic  became  the  theme  of 
all  conversation.  Consternation  and  courage  moved 
side  by  side ;  for  while  the  most,  believed  Jackson 
to  be  invincible,  others,  carefully  weighing  the  force 
of  the  armament  approaching,  could  not  but  antici- 
pate discomforture  and  destruction.  Kor  was  this 
surprising ;  for  a  fleet  of  more  than  eighty  sail,  un- 
der the  command  of  Admiral  Cochrane,  carrying  on 
their  decks  eleven  thousand  veteran  troops,  fresh 
from  the  bloody  fields  of  Spain,  and  led  by  men  of 
renown,  was  steadily  advancing  on  the  city.  Be- 
sides this  formidable  land  force,  there  were  twelve 
thousand  seamen  and  marines.  The  facts  alone  were 
sufficient  to  cause  anxiety  and  alarm  ;  but  rumor 
magnified  them  fourfold.  To  resist  all  this,  'New 
Orleans  had  no  vessels  of  war,  no  strong  fortresses, 
no  army  of  veteran  troops.  General  Jackson,  with 
his  undeciplined  and  half-armed  yeomanry,  alone 
stood  between  the  city  and  destruction.  He  was  not 
ignorant  of  the  tremendous  force  advancing  against 
him;  but  still  he  was  calm  and  resolute.  To  the 
panic-stricken  women,  who  roamed  the  streets,  fill- 
ing the  air  with  shrieks  and  cries  of  alarm,  he  said, 
"  The  enemy  shall  never  reach  the  cityy  Their  fears 
at  once  subsided,  for  he  had  the  strange  power  of 


300  A^TOKEW  JACKSON. 

infusing  his  o^^m  confidence  into  all  who  surrounded 
liim. 

Kew  Orleans,  situated  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the 
Mississippi,  was  accessible  not  only  through  the 
various  mouths  of  the  river,  but  also  with  small  ves- 
sels through  lakes  Borgne  and  Pontchartrain,  and 
was  therefore  a  difficult  city  to  defend,  for  no  one 
could  tell  by  what  way,  or  by  how  many  ways  the 
enemy  would  approach.  Jackson  saw  that  he  would 
be  compelled  to  divide  his  forces  in  order  to  guard 
every  avenue.  In  the  meantime,  while  he  watched 
the  approaching  force,  he  kept  his  eye  on  the  city. 
The  press  did  not  manfully  sustain  him,  and  the 
legislature,  then  in  session,  looked  upon  his  actions 
with  susj^icion,  if  not  with  hostile  feelings.  Al- 
though a  native  of  another  State,  and  having  no 
personal  interest  in  the  fate  of  the  place,  whose 
authorities  treated  him  with  coldness,  he,  neverthe- 
less, determined  to  save  it  at  all  hazards,  and  while 
apparently  bending  his  vast  energies  to  meet  an 
external  foe,  boldly  assumed  the  control  of  the 
city,  declared  martial  law,  and  when  Judge  Hall 
liberated  a  traitor  whom  he  had  imprisoned,  sternly 
ordered  the  Judge  himself  into  confinement. 

At  length,  on  the  9th  of  December,  the  excited 
inhabitants  were  told  that  the  British  fleet  had 
reached  the  coast ;  sixty  sail  being  seen  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Mississippi.     Commodore   Patterson 


LANDING  OF  THE  ENEMY.  301 

immediately  despatclied  Lieutenant  Jones  witli  ^yq 
gun-boats  to  watcli  its  motions.  Tliis  gallant  com- 
mander, in  passing  through.  Lake  Borgne,  disco- 
vered that  the  enemy,  instead  of  approaching  direct 
by  the  river,  was  advancing  up  the  lakes.  In  hover- 
ing around  them  to  ascertain  their  designs,  he  unfor- 
tunately got  becalmed,  and  in  that  position  was 
attacked  by  forty  barges,  containing  twelve  hundred 
men.  Notwithstanding  he  had  under  him  less  than 
two  hundred  men,  he  refused  to  surrender,  and  gal- 
lantly returned  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  For  a  whole 
hour  he  stubbornly  maintained  the  unequal  contest ; 
but,  at  length,  after  killing  nearly  double  his  entire 
force,  he  was  compelled  to  strike  his  flag.  The 
British  had  now  complete  control  of  lakes  Ponchar- 
train  and  Borgne,  and  advancing  up  the  latter,  en- 
tered a  canal,  and  finally  effected  a  landing  on  the 
levee,  about  eight  miles  from  the  city.  This  levee 
acts  as  a  bank  to  keep  the  river  from  the  inland, 
which  is  lower  than  the  surface  of  the  water.  This 
levee,  or  bank,  varies  in  width  from  a  few  hundred 
yards  to  two  or  three  miles,  and  is  covered  with 
plantations.  Thus,  now  almost  like  a  causeway,  and 
again  like  an  elevated  plateau,  it  stretches  away 
from  the  city,  with  the  river  on  one  side,  and  an  im- 
passable swamp  on  the  other. 

The  forts  that  commanded  the  river  were,  by  this 

manoeuvre  of  the  enemy,  rendered  com^^aratively 
15 


302  AlCDKEW    JACKSOX. 

useless,  and  an  open  road  to  the  city  lav  before  him. 
Jackson  no  sooner  heard  that  the  British  had  effect- 
ed a  landing,  than  he  determined  at  once  to  attack 
them  before  their  heavy  artillery  and  the  main  body 
of  the  army  conld  be  brought  forward.  On  the  23d, 
therefore,  a  few  hours  after  they  had  reached  the 
banks  of  the  Mississippi,  his  columns  were  in  motion, 
and  by  evening  halted  within  two  miles  of  the  hos- 
tile force.  His  plans  were  immediately  laid,^ — the 
schooner  of  war,  Caroline,  commanded  by  Commo- 
dore Patterson,  was  ordered,  soon  after  dark,  to  drop 
quietly  do^vn  the  river,  and  anchor  abreast  the  Bri- 
tish encampment.  General  Coffee,  with  between 
six  and  seven  hundred  men,  was  directed  to  skirt 
the  swamp  to  the  left  of  the  levee,  and  gain,  undis- 
covered, the  enemy's  rear ;  while  he  himself,  with 
tliirteen  hundred  troops,  would  march  directly  down 
the  river  along  the  highway,  and  assail  them  in 
front.  The  Caroline  was  to  give  the  signal  for  a 
general  attack.  She,  unmolested,  swept  noiselessly 
down  with  the  current,  gained  her  position,  droj^ped 
her  anchors,  and  opened  her  fire.  The  thunder  and 
blaze  of  her  guns,  as  grape-shot  and  balls  came  rat- 
tling and  crashing  into  the  camp  of  the  British, 
were  the  first  intimation  they  received  of  an  attack. 
At  the  same  time.  Generals  Coffee  and  Jackson  gave 
the  orders  to  advance.  Xight  had  now  arrived,  and 
although  there  was  a  moon,  the  fast  rising  mist  from 


ATTACKS    TUE    BEITISir.  303 

the  swamj)S  and  river  mingling  witli  the  smoke  of 
the  guns,  so  dimmed  her  light  that  objects  could  he 
discerned  only  a  short  distance,  save  the  watch-fires 
of  the  enemy,  which  burned  brightly  through  the 
gloom.  Guided  by  these.  Coffee  continued  to  ad- 
vance, when  suddenly  he  was  met  by  a  sharp  fire. 
The  enemy,  retiring  before  the  shot  of  the  Caroline, 
had  left  the  bank  of  the  river,  not  dreaming  of  a  foe 
in  their  rear.  Coffee  was  taken  by  surprise  ;  but 
this  gallant  commander  had  been  in  too  many  peri- 
lous scenes  to  be  disconcerted,  and  ordering  the 
charge  to  be  soimded,  he  swept  the  field  before 
him. 

Again  and  again  the  British  rallied,  only  to  be 
driven  from  their  position.  At  length  they  made  a 
determined  stand  in  a  grove  of  orange  trees,  behind 
a  ditch  which  was  lined  with  a  fence.  But  the  ex- 
cited troops  charged  boldly  over  the  ditch,  fence, 
and  all,  and  lighting  up  the  orange  grove  with  the 
fire  of  their  guns,  and  awakening  its  echoes  with 
their  loud  huzzas,  pressed  fiercely  after  the  astonish- 
ed enemy,  and  forced  them  back  to  the  river.  Here 
the  latter  turned  at  bay,  and  for  half  an  hour  main- 
tained a  determined  fight.  But  being  swept  by  such 
close  and  destructive  volleys,  they  at  length  clam- 
bered down  the  levee,  and  turning  it  into  a  breast- 
work, repelled  every  attempt  to  dislodge  them. 

In  the  meantime,  Jackson  had  advanced   along 


304  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

the  river.  Guided  by  the  guns  of  the  Caroline,  and 
the  rockets  of  the  enemy,  that  rose  hissing  from  the 
gloom,  he  j^ressed  swiftly  forward.  He  had  given 
directions  to  move  by  heads  of  companies,  and,  as 
soon  as  they  reached  the  enemy,  to  deploy  into  line, 
which  was  to  be  extended  till  it  joined  that  of  General 
Coffee,  thus  forcing  the  British  back  upon  the  river, 
and  keej^ing  them  under  the  guns  of  the  Caroline. 
But,  instead  of  doing  this,  they  formed  into  line  at  the 
outset.  The  levee  being  wide  where  they  formed,  no 
inconvenience  was  felt  from  this  marching  order ;  but, 
as  it  grew  narrower,  the  left  wing  was  gradually 
forced  in,  and  being  a  little  in  advance,  crowded  and 
drore  back  the  centre,  creating  confusion  and  arrest- 
ing its  j)rogress.  The  troops,  however,  continued  to 
advance,  and  soon  came  upon  the  enemy,  entrenched 
behind  a  deep  ditch.  Jackson,  perceiving  at  a  glance 
the  advantage  of  their  position,  ordered  it  to  be 
charged.  The  troops  marched  up  to  the  edge  of  the 
ditch,  poured  one  destructive  volley  over,  then  leaped 
after.  The  British  retired  behind  another,  and  an- 
other, only  to  be  again  forced  to  retreat.  At  length, 
Jackson  halted  ;  the  enemy  had  withdrawn  into  the 
darkness,  the  Caroline  had  almost  ceased  her  fire, 
while  but  random  volleys  were  heard  in  the  direction 
of  Cofiee's  brigade.  The  uproar  had  ceased  around 
bim,  while  the  rapidly  increasing  fog  shrouded  every- 
thing in  gloom.     Finding,  too,  that  his  left  wing  had 


HE   EETEEATS.  305 

got  into  inextricable  confusion,  and  that  a  part  of 
Coflee's  troops  were  in  no  better  condition,  he  deter- 
mined to  withdraw. 

He  had  laid  his  plans  with  skill,  and  entertained  no 
doubt  of  success ;  and  but  for  the  fact  that  the  Caro- 
line commenced  her  fire  a  little  too  early,  and  that 
the  after  false  movement  of  his  left  wing  prevented 
the  rapid  advance  of  the  centre,  he  no  doubt  would 
have  slain  or  captured  nearly  the  whole  three  thou- 
sand opposed  to  him.  But  night  attacks  are  always 
subject  to  failure  through  mistakes  caused  by  the 
darkness,  especially  if  the  movements  are  at  all  com- 
plicated. A  sudden,  heavy  onset,  overturning  every- 
thing before  it, — a  single,  concentrated  blow,  like  the 
fall  of  an  avalanche, — are  best  fitted  for  the  nio-ht. 

Still,  Jackson  did  not  despair  of  success,  and  deter- 
mined at  daybreak,  to  renew  the  attack.  But  it  was 
soon  ascertained,  from  prisoners  and  deserters,  that 
by  morning  the  enemy  would  be  six  thousand  strong, 
making  a  disjDarity  against  him  he  could  not  hope  to 
overcome.  He  therefore  fell  back  to  a  deep  ditch 
that  stretched  from  the  Mississippi,  across  the  entire 
levee,  to  the  swamp.  Behind  this  he  arrayed  his 
troops,  resolved,  since  nothing  else  could  be  done,  to 
make  there  a  determined  stand.  In  his  unsuccessful 
assault,  he  had  lost,  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prison- 
ers, two  hundred  and  forty  men  ;  while  the  enemy 
had  been  weakened  by  nearly  double  that  number. 


306  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

Still,  Lis  plans  had  failed.  One  disaster  after  another 
had  overtaken  him,  till  now  all  his  hopes  rested  on  a 
bold  and  desperate  battle.  The  gun-boats  had  been 
destroyed,  leaving  the  lakes  open  to  the  enemy's 
Bhips.  All  the  passes  to  the  city  had  been  guarded 
in  vain.  Through  an  unimportant  and  almost  un- 
known canal,  the  enemy  had  passed  unmolested,  and 
landed  where  nothing  but  undisciplined  troops  lay 
between  him  and  the  city.  Too  strong  to  be  assailed, 
the  British  could  now  com23lete  their  arrangements 
and  array  their  strength  at  leisure.  Undismayed, 
however,  and  unshaken  in  his  confidence,  Jackson 
gathered  his  little  band  behind  this  single  ditch,  and 
coolly  surveyed  his  chances.  He  knew  the  history 
and  character  of  the  troops  opposed  to  him  ;  he  knew 
also  how  uncertain  untrained  militia  were  in  a  close 
and  hot  engagement.  Still,  he  had  resolved  to  try 
the  issue  in  a  great  battle.  "No  sooner  was  this  deter- 
mination taken,  than  he  set  about  increasing  the 
strength  of  his  position  with  every  means  in  his 
power.  He  deepened  and  widened  the  ditch ;  and 
where  it  terminated  in  the  swamp,  cut  down  the 
trees,  thus  extending  the  line  still  farther  in,  to  pre- 
vent being  outflanked.  The  gallant  Coffee  was  placed 
here,  who,  with  his  noble  followers,  day  after  day, 
and  night  after  night,  stood  knee-deep  in  tlje  mud, 
and  slept  on  the  brush  they  piled  together  to  keep 
them  from  the  water.     Sluices  were  also  opened  in 


FORTIFIES    HIMSELF.  '  307 

the  levee,  and  the  waters  of  the  Mississippi  turned  on 
tlie  phiin,  covering  it  breast-deep.  The  earth  was 
piled  still  higher  on  the  edge  of  the  ditch ;  cotton 
bales  were  brought  and  covered  over,  to  increase  the 
breadth  and  depth  of  the  breastwork.  With  a  will 
unyielding  as  fate  itself,  tireless  energy,  and  a  frame 
of  iron  to  match,  Jackson  no  sooner  set  his  heart  on 
a  great  object,  than  he  toiled  towards  it  with  a  reso- 
lution— nay,  almost  fierceness — that  amazed  men. 
Kight  and  day  the  soldiers  were  kept  at  work,  the 
sound  of  the  spade  and  pickaxe  never  ceased,  while 
the  constant  rolling  of  wheels  was  heard,  as  wagons 
and  carts  sped  to  and  from  the  city.  Jackson,  with 
his  whole  nature  roused  to  the  highest  pitch  of  excite- 
ment, moved  amid  this  busy  scene,  its  soul  and  centre. 
Impervious  to  fatigue,  he  worked  on  when  others  sank 
to  rest ;  and  at  midday  and  midnight,  he  was  seen 
reviewing  his  troops,  or  traversing  the  trenches  to 
cheer  the  laborers,  and  for  four  days  and  nights 
scarcely  took  a  moment's  rest. 

In  addition  to  the  breastwork  he  was  rearing  on 
the  east  bank,  he  ordered  General  Morgan  to  take 
position  on  the  right  bank,  opposite  his  line,  and 
fortify  it.  To  prevent  the  shijDS  from  ascending  the 
river  to  co-operate  with  the  army,  he  despatched 
Major  Reynolds  to  obstruct  and  defend  the  pass  of 
Barataria, — the  channel  through  which  they  would 
in  all  probability  attempt  to  approach. 


308  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

In  the  meantime,  the  British  were  not  idle.  They 
had  deepened  the  canal  through  which  they  had 
effected  a  landing,  and  thus  assisted  by  the  high 
waters  of  the  Mississippi,  been  able  to  bring  up  larger 
boats,  loaded  with  the  heavy  artillery. 

On  the  third  day,  a  battery  was  observed,  erected 
opposite  the  Caroline,  which,  after  the  good  service 
she  did  in  the  night  attack,  had  floated  to  the  op- 
posite shore,  where  she  continued  to  annoy  the  enemy. 
Jackson  knew  her  perilous  position,  but  there  had 
been  no  wind  sufficiently  strong  to  enable  her  to  stem 
the  raj)id  current ;  and,  on  the  morning  of  the  2Tth, 
the  battery  opened  on  her  with  shells  and  red-hot 
shot.  She  was  soon  in  a  blaze ;  and  the  crew,  see- 
ing the  attempt  to  save  her  useless,  escaped  to  the 
shore.  Soon  after,  she  blew  up,  with  a  heavy  ex- 
plosion. 

The  next  day.  Sir  Edward  Packenham  ordered  an 
attack  on  the  American  works.  The  columns  ad- 
vanced in  beautiful  order,  and  at  the  distance  of  half 
a  mile  opened  their  batteries,  and,  with  bombshells 
and  sky-rockets,  endeavored  to  send  confusion  among 
the  American  militia.  But  the  guns  of  the  latter 
were  admirably  served,  and  told  with  great  effect 
on  the  exposed  ranks  of  the  enemy.  The  Louisiana 
sloop  of  war,  that  lay  opposite  the  American  line, 
swung  her  broadside  so  as  to  bear  on  the  advancing 
columns,  and  raked  them  with  such  a  deadly  fire  that 


FIRST   ATTACK.  309 

the  assault  was  abandoned,  and  tlie  army  returned  to 
its  camp,  with  the  loss  of  over  a  hundred  men,  while 
that  of  the  Americans  was  but  seven  killed  and  eight 
wounded.  But  among  the  slain  of  the  latter  was 
Colonel  Henderson,  of  the  Tennessee  militia,  a  man 
deeply  lamented. 

Events  were  now  evidently  approaching  a  crisis ; 
and  the  anxiety  and  interest  deepened  daily  and 
hourly.  To  add  to  the  weight  which  already  pressed 
the  heart  of  Jackson,  he  was  told  that  the  legislature 
had  become  frightened,  and  was  discussing  the  pro- 
priety of  surrendering  the  city.  He  immediately 
sent  a  despatch  to  Governor  Clairborne,  ordering  him 
to  watch  its  proceedings,  and  the  moment  such  a  pro- 
ject should  be  fairly  formed,  to  place  a  guard  at  the 
door  of  the  chamber,  and  shut  the  members  in.  In 
his  zeal  and  warm-hearted  patriotism,  the  governor 
determined  to  make  sure  work  of  it,  and  so  turned  the 
whole  of  them  out  of  doors.  Just  before  the  execu- 
tion of  this  high-handed  measure,  a  committee  of  the 
legislature  waited  on  Jackson,  to  inquire  what  he  de- 
signed to  do  if  compelled  to  abandon  his  position. 
"  If,"  he  replied,  "  I  thought  the  hair  of  my  head 
could  divine  what  I  should  do,  I  would  cut  it  off 
forthwith.  Go  back  with  this  answer ;  say  to  your 
honorable  body  that  if  disaster  does  overtake  me, 
and  the  fate  of  war  drives  me  from  my  line  to  the 
city,  tJiat  they  may  expect  to  have  a  loarm  session^ 


310  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

To  one  wlio  asked  him  afterwards  what  he  would 
have  done  in  such  an  emergency,  he  said,  "  I  would 
have  retreated  to  the  city,  fired  it^  and  fought  the 
enemy  amid  the  surrounding  flamesP  A  more  heroic 
speech  never  fell  from  the  li^^s  of  a  commander. 
New  Orleans  in  flames  and  Jackson  charging  down 
its  blazing  streets,  would  have  presented  one  of  the 
most  frightful  exhibitions  furnished  in  the  annals  of 
the  war. 

The  British,  after  the  attack  of  the  28th,  occupied 
their  whole  time  in  landino;  heavier  cannon.  Havins: 
completed  their  arrangements,  they  resolved,  on  the 
1st  of  January,  to  make  another  attempt  on  the  Ame- 
rican works.  The  Kew  Year  opened  with  a  heavy 
fog,  which  shrouded  the  whole  plain  and  British  en- 
campment from  sight.  Bat,  from  its  mysterious 
bosom,  ominous,  muffled  sounds  arose,  which  were 
distinctly  heard  in  every  part  of  the  American  line ; 
and  the  troops  stood  to  arms.  At  length,  as  the  sun 
gathered  strength,  the  fog  lifted  and  parted  ;  and  no 
sooner  did  the  enemy,  who  had  advanced  their  bat- 
teries within  six  hundred  yards  of  the  American  in- 
trenchments,  see  their  long,  black  line  stretching 
through  the  haze,  than  a  tremendous  burst  of  artillery 
shook  the  solid  levee  on  which  it  stood.  A  flight  of 
Congreve  rockets  followed,  crossing  and  recrossing 
the  heavens  in  all  directions,  and  weaving  a  fiery  net- 
work over  the  heads  of  the  astonished  but  undaunted 


SECOXD   ATTACK.  311 

Americans.  The  first  lieavy  explosion  sent  Jackson 
to  the  lines  ;  and  luckily  for  him  it  did;  for  the 
British  having  been  shown  by  a  spy  the  house  which 
he  occupied,  they  directed  a  battery  upon  it,  and  in 
a  few  minutes  it  was  riddled  with  balls.  The  Ameri- 
can artillery  replied,  and  it  was  a  constant  roar  of 
cannon  till  noon,  when  most  of  the  English  batteries 
being  beaten  down  or  damaged,  ceased  their  fire. 
One  near  the  river  continued  to  play  on  the  Ameri- 
can works  till  three  o'clock,  when  it  also  became 
silent,  and  the  enemy,  bafiled  at  every  point,  retired 
sullenly  to  his  camp. 

The  two  armies,  each  expecting  reinforcements, 
now  rested  for  a  w^eek  from  decisive  hostilities.  In 
the  meantime,  Jackson  continued  to  strengthen  his 
works  and  discipline  his  men.  A  Frenchman  having 
come  to  him  to  complain  of  damage  done  to  his  prop- 
erty, the  latter  replied  that,  as  he  seemed  to  be  a  man 
of  property,  he  knew  of  no  one  who  had  a  better  right 
to  defend  it,  and,  placing  a  musket  in  his  hands,  or- 
dered him  into  the  ranks. 

During  this  week  of  comparative  repose,  E'ew  Or- 
leans and  the  two  hostile  camps  presented  a  spectacle 
of  the  most  thrilling  interest.  The  British  army  lay  in 
full  view  of  the  American  lines,  their  white  tents  look- 
ing, amid  the  surrounding  water,  like  clouds  of  sail 
resting  on  the  bosom  of  the  river,  while,  at  intervals, 
a  random  shot,  or  the  morning  and  evening  gun,  sent 


312  AXDREW   JACESOX. 

their  stem  challenge  to  the  foe.  There  was  marching 
and  countermarching,  strains  of  martial  music,  and 
all  the  confused  sounds  of  a  camp  life,  while  to  them 
the  American  intrenchment,  \Yhich  stretched  in  a 
dark  line  across  the  plain,  seemed  silent  as  death,  ex- 
cept when  a  solitary  gun  sent  forth  its  sullen  defiance. 
At  intervals,  in  different  parts  of  the  plain,  would  be 
heard  the  rattle  of  musketry,  as  skirmishing  parties 
encountered  each  other.  To  the  farmers,  merchants, 
mechanics,  and  youths,  who  lay  behind  that  breast- 
work, the  scene  and  the  thoughts  it  awakened  were 
new.  Behind  them  stood  their  homes ;  before  them, 
the  veterans  of  Spain,  whom,  in  a  few  days,  they 
were  to  meet  in  final  combat.  In  the  city,  the  ex- 
citement kept  increasing ;  but  after  the  first  battle, 
the  patriotism  of  the  population  received  a  new  im- 
pulse. In  the  night  attack  many  of  the  troops  had 
lost  all  their  clothing  except  that  which  they  wore  on 
their  backs,  and  hence  soon  began  to  suffer.  No 
sooner  was  this  known  to  the  ladies  than  their  fair 
hands  were  in  motion ;  and  in  a  short  time  the  wants 
of  the  soldiers  were  supplied. 

In  the  meantime,  the  long-expected  Kentucky 
troops,  upwards  of  two  thousand  strong,  arrived. 
Courier  after  courier  had  been  sent  to  hurry  their 
march  ;  and  the  last  day  had  been  one  of  incredible 
toil  and  speed.  Only  five  hundi-ed  of  them,  how- 
ever, had  muskets  ;  the  rest  were  armed  with  fowl- 


FINAL   PREPARATIONS.  313 

ing-pieces,   and  such  weapons   as  they  could  lay 
their  hands  on.     'Nov  were  there  any  means  of  sup- 
plying them,  so  that  the  accession  of  strength  was 
comparatively  trifling.     General  Lambert,  too,  had 
reinforced  the  British  with  several  thousand  veteran 
troops.     A  canal  had  been  widened   through  the 
levee,  by  which  boats  were  transported  to  the  Mis- 
sissippi for  that  portion  of  the  army  which  was  des- 
tined to  act  against  the  fortifications  on  the  west 
bank,  commanded  by  General  Morgan;  and  now 
nothing  remained  to  be  done  but  advance  at  once  to 
the  assault  of  the  American  intrenchments,  or  aban- 
don the  expedition.     The  latter  alternative  was  not 
to  be  contemplated ;  and,  on  the  night  of  the  Yth, 
Jackson,  surveying  the  encampment  through  his 
glass,  discovered  unmistakeable  evidence  that  the 
enemy  was    meditating   an   important   movement. 
The  camp  was  in  commotion ;  the  boats  which  had 
been  dragged  through  the  canal,  and  now  lay  moored 
to  the  levee,  were  being  loaded  with  artillery  and 
munitions  of  war,  and  everything  betokened  a  hot 
to-morrow.     Coffee  still  held  the  swamp  on  the  left ; 
Carroll,  with  his  Tennesseans,  the   centre;   while 
Jackson,  with  the  regulars  under  him,  commanded 
in  person  the  right,  resting  on  the  river.     Behind 
Carroll  were  placed  the  Kentuckians,  under  General 
Adair: — in   all,  less  than   four  thousand  effective 
men.      This   was  the    position   of   affairs  as    the 


314  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

Sabbath  morning  of  the  Stli  of  January  began  to 
dawn.  The  light  had  scarcely  streaked  the  east, 
when  the  inhabitants  of  Kew  Orleans  were  startled 
fi'oni  their  slumbers  by  an  explosion  of  cannon  that 
Bhook  the  city.  The  battle  had  opened.  Under 
cover  of  the  night,  heavy  batteries  had  been  erected 
within  eight  hundred  yards  of  the  American  in- 
trenchments,  and,  the  moment  the  fog  lifted  above 
them,  they  opened  their  fire.  A  rocket,  rising 
through  the  mist  near  the  swamp,  and  another  an- 
swering it  from  the  shore,  announced  that  all  was 
ready.  The  next  moment,  two  columns,  eight  or 
nine  thousand  strong, — one  moving  straight  on  Car- 
rol's position,  the  other  against  the  right  of  the  in- 
trenchments, — swept  in  double  quick  step  across 
the  plain.  Three  thrilling  cheers  rose  over  the  dark 
intrenchments  at  the  sight,  and  then  all  was  still 
again. 

The  levee  here  was  contracted  to  four  hundred 
yards  in  width,  and  as  the  columns,  sixty  or  seventy 
deep,  crowded  over  this  avenue,  every  cannon  on 
the  breastwork  was  trained  upon  them  by  Barrata- 
rian  and  French  engineers,  and  the  moment  they 
came  within  range,  a  murderous  fire  opened.  Fright- 
ful gaps  were  made  in  the  ranks  at  every  discharge, 
which  were  closed  by  living  men  only  the  next  mo- 
ment to  be  re-opened. 

The  Americans  stood  with  their  hands  clenched 


THE   BATTLE. 


315 


around  tlieir  muskets,  gazing  witli  astonislnnent  on 
tills  new,  unwonted  scene.     The  calm  and  steady 
advance  under  such  an  incessant  and  crushing  fire 
carried  with  it  the  prestige  of  victory.     As  they  ap 
proached  the  ditch,  the  columns  swiftly,  yet  beauti- 
fully  displayed,    and   under  the   cover   of  blazing 
bombs  and  sky-rockets,  that  filled  the  air  in  every 
direction,  and   stooped  hissing  over  the  American 
works,  pressed  forward,  with   loud   cheers,  to   the 
assault.     Nothing  but  cannon  had  hitherto  spoken 
from  that  low  breastwork  ;  but  as  those  two  doomed 
columns  reached  the  farthest  brink  of  the  ditch,  the 
word   "Fire"  ran  along  the  American  line,— the 
next  moment  the  intrenchments  were  in  a  blaze.    It 
was  a  solid  sheet  of  flame  rolling  on  the  foe.     Stun- 
ned by  the  tremendous  and  deadly  volleys,  the  front 
ranks  stopped  and  sunk  in  their  footsteps,  like  snow 
w^hen  it  meets  the  stream.     But  high  over  the  thun- 
der of  cannon  were  heard  the  words  of  command, 
and  drums  beating  the  charge  ;  and   still  bravely 
breasting  the  fiery  sleet,  the  ranks  pressed  forward, 
but  only  to  melt  away  on  the  brink  of  that  fatal  ditch. 
Jackson,  with  flashing  eye  and  flushed  brow,  rode 
slowly  along  the  lines,  cheering  the  men,  and  issuing 
his  orders,  followed  by  loud  huzzas  as  he  passed. 
From  the  efl'ect  of  the  American  volleys,  he  knew, 
if  the  troops  stood  firm,  the  day  was  his  own,  and 
with  stirring  appeals  and  confidant  words  he  roused 


316  ANDEEW    JACKSOX. 

them  to  the  same  enthusiasm  which  animated  his 
breast  and  beamed  from  his  face.  Tlie  soldiers  of 
Gen.  Adair,  stationed  in  the  rear  of  Can-ol,  loaded  for 
those  in  front,  so  there  was  no  cessation  to  the  fire. 
It  was  a  constant  flash  and  peal  along  the  whole 
line.  Every  man  was  a  marksman,  every  shot  tokl, 
and  no  troops  in  the  world  conld  long  withstand  such 
a  destructive  fire.  The  front  of  battle,  torn  and 
rent,  wavered  to  and  fro  on  the  plain,  when  Packen- 
ham  galloped  up,  and  riding  bravely  through  the 
shaking  ranks,  for  a  moment  restored  order.  The 
next  moment  he  reeled  from  his  saddle  mortally 
wounded.  Generals  Gibbs  and  Keane,  while  nobly 
struggling  to  rally  the  men,  were  also  shot  down, 
and  the  maddened  columns  turned  and  fled.  Lam- 
bert, hastening  up  with  the  reserve,  met  the  fugi- 
tives, and  endeavored,  but  in  vain,  to  arrest  the 
flight.  They  never  halted  till  they  reached  a  ditch 
four  hundred  yards  distant,  into  which  they  flung 
themselves  to  escajDe  the  scourging  fire  that  pursued 
them.  Here  he  at  last  rallied  them  to  another  charge. 
The  bleeding  column,  strengthened  by  the  reserve, 
again  advanced  sternly,  but  hopelessly,  into  the 
deadly  fire,  and  attempted  to  deploy.  It  was  a  last 
vain  eflbrt, — it  was  like  charging  down  the  mouth  of 
a  volcano,  and  the  troo2:>s  again  broke  and  fled, 
smote  at  every  step  by  the  batteries.  Col.  Kennie 
led  the  attack  against  the  redoubt  on  the  right,  and 


DEFEAT   OF   THE   BRITISH.  3 IT 

succeeded  in  entering,  but  found  there  his  grave. 
Driven  forth,  the  troops  sought  safety  in  flight ;  but 
the  fire  that  pursued  them  was  too  fatal,  and  they 
threw  themselves  into  a  ditch,  where  they  lay  shel- 
tered till  night,  and  then  stole  away  under  cover  of 
the  darkness. 

The  ground  in  front  of  the  American  intrench- 
ments  presented  a  frightful  spectacle,  fi  was  red  with 
the  blood  of  men.  The  space  was  so  narrow  on 
which  they  had  fought,  that  the  dead  literally  cum- 
bered the  field. 

The  sun  of  that  Sabbath  morning  rose  in  blood, 
and  before  he  had  advanced  an  hour  on  his  course, 
a  multitude  of  souls  ''  unhouseled,  unanneled,"  had 
passed  to  the  stillness  of  eternity.  'Now  Orleans 
never  before  witnessed  such  a  Sabbath  mornino-. 
Anxiety  and  fear  sat  on  every  countenance.  The 
road  towards  the  American  encampment  was  lined 
with  trembling  listeners,  and  tearful  eyes  were  bent 
on  the  distance  to  catch  the  first  sight  of  the  retreat- 
ing army.  But  when  the  thunder  and  tumult  ceased, 
and  word  was  brought  that  the  Americans  still 
held  the  entrenchments,  and  that  the  British  had  re- 
treated in  confusion,  there  went  up  a  long,  glad 
shout, — the  bells  of  the  churches  rang  out  a  joyous 
peal,  and  hope  and  confidence  revived  in  every 
bosom. 

The  attack  on  the  rio-ht  bank  of  the  river  had  been 


31 S  ANDREW    JACKSON. 

successful,  and  but  for  tlie  terrible  liavoc  on  tlie  left 
shore,  tliis  stroke  of  good  fortune  miglit  had  changed 
the  results  of  the  day.  The  fort,  from  which  Gen. 
Morgan  had  fled,  commanded  the  interior  of  Jack- 
son's entrenchments,  and  a  fire  opened  from  it  would 
soon  have  shaken  the  steadiness  of  his  troops.  But 
Col.  Thornton,  who  had  captured  it,  seeing  the  com- 
plete overthrow  of  the  main  army,  soon  after  aban- 
doned it. 

The  Americans,  with  that  noble-hearted  generos- 
ity which  had  distinguished  them  on  every  battle- 
field, hurried  forth,  soon  as  the  firing  was  over,  to 
succor  the  wounded,  who  they  knew  had  designed 
to  riot  amid  their  own  peaceful  dwellings.  "Beauty 
and  booty,"  was  the  watchword  in  an  orderly-book 
found  on  the  battle-field ;  and  though  there  is  not 
sufficient  reason  to  believe  that  the  city  would 
have  been  given  over  to  rapine  and  lust,  yet  no 
doubt  great  excesses  would  have  been  tolerated. 
The  recent  conduct  of  the  English  troops  on  the 
Atlantic  coast,  where  no  such  resistance  had  been 
offered  to  exasperate  the  trooj^s,  furnished  grounds 
for  the  gravest  fears. 

The  British  in  this  attack  outnumbered  the  Amer- 
icans about  two  to  one,  and  yet  the  loss  on  the 
part  of  the  latter  was  only  thirteen  killed  and 
wounded,  while  that  of  the  former  was  nearly  two 
thousand. 


ENTERS   NEW    ORLE.AJNS.  319 

An  armistice  was  soon  after  concluded,  and  tlie 
British  were  allowed  to  retreat  unmolested  to  their 
ships.  The  sails  of  that  proud  fleet,  whose  approaoi!.! 
had  sent  such  consternation  through  the  hearts  of 
the  inhabitants,  were  seen  lessening  in  the  horizon 
with  feelings  of  unspeakable  joy  and  triumph.  All 
danger  had  now  passed  away,  and  Jackson  made 
his  triumphal  entry  into  the  city.  The  bells  were 
rung,  maidens  dressed  in  white,  strewed  flowers 
in  his  path,  the  heavens  echoed  with  acclamations, 
and  blessings  unnumbered  were  poured  on  his  head. 

But  as  there  had  been  foes  and  traitors  to  the 
American  cause  from  the  first  appearance  of  the 
British  fleet,  so  there  were  those  now  who  stirred  up 
strife,  and  by  anonymous  articles  published  in  one 
of  the  city  papers,  endeavored  to  sow  dissensions 
among  the  troops.  It  would,  no  doubt,  have  been 
better  for  Jackson,  in  the  fulness  of  his  triumph,  and 
in  the  plenitude  of  his  power,  to  have  overlooked 
this.  But  these  very  men  he  knew  had  acted  as 
spies  w^hile  the  enemy  lay  before  his  entrenchments, 
causing  him  innumerable  vexations,  and  endanger- 
ing the  cause  of  the  country,  and  he  determined  as 
martial  law  had  not  yet  been  repealed,  to  seize  the 
offenders.  He  demanded  of  the  editor  the  name  of 
the  writer  of  a  certain  article,  who  proved  to  be  a 
member  of  the  legislature.  He  then  applied  to 
Judge  Hall  for  a  wTit  of  habeas  corpus,  which  was 


320  AXDPvEW    JACKSON. 

granted,  and  tlie  recreant  statesman  was  thrown  into 
prison.  Soon  after,  martial  law  being  removed, 
Judge  Hall  issued  an  attacliment  against  Jackson 
for  contempt  of  court,  and  he  was  brought  before  him 
to  answer  interrogatories.  This  he  refused  to  do,  and 
asked  for  the  sentence.  The  judge,  still  smarting 
under  the  remembrance  of  his  former  arrest  by  Jack- 
son, fined  him  a  thousand  dollars.  A  burst  of  indig- 
nation followed  this  sentence,  and  as  the  latter  turned 
to  enter  his  carriage,  the  crowd  around  seized  it,  and 
dragged  it  home  with  shouts.  The  fine  was  paid  im- 
mediately ;  but  in  a  few  hours  the  outraged  citizens 
refunded  the  sum  to  the  general.  lie,  however,  refused 
it,  requesting  it  to  be  appropriated  to  a  charitable 
institution.  Judge  Hall  by  this  act  secured  for  him- 
self the  fame  of  the  man  who,  to  figure  in- history, 
fired  the  temple  of  Delphos. 

The  arbitrary  manner  in  which  Jackson  disposed 
of  the  State  legislature  and  judges  of  the  court,  be- 
came afterwards  the  subject  of  much  discussion,  and 
during  his  political  life  the  ground  of  heavy  accusa- 
tions. If  the  contest  is  respecting  the  manner  in 
which  he  assumed  arbitrary  power,  it  is  not  worth 
discussing.  But  if,  on  the  other  hand,  the  assumption 
of  the  power  at  all  is  condemned,  then  the  whole 
thing  turns  on  the  necessities  of  the  case,  and  whether 
that  use  was  made  of  it  which  the  general  good  and 
not  personal  feelings  required.   That  it  was  necessary, 


TAKES    LEAVE   OF   HIS   TROOrS. 


321 


we  Lave  no  doubt.  He  bad  a  rigbt,  as  commaTider- 
in-cbief  of  tbe  army  in  tbat  section  to  wbom  tlie  de- 
fence of  tbe  Southern  frontier  bad  been  intrusted,  to 
force  tbe  civil  power  into  obedience  to  tbe  orders  of 
tbe  general  government.  He  was  to  defend  and  save 
New  Orleans,  and  if  tbe  civil  power  proved  treacher- 
ous or  weak,  it  was  bis  duty  to  see  tbat  it  did  not  act 
against  bim  wbile  plainly  in  tbe  patb  of  bis  duty. 
Kew  Orleans  so  considered  it ;  and  six  years  after,  tbe 
corporation  appropriated  fifty  thousand  dollars  to  tbe 
erection  of  a  marble  statue  of  bim  in  tbe  city.  Con- 
gress thought  so,  when,  thirty  years  after,  it  voted 
tbe  repayment  of  tbe  fine,  with  interest,  from  the  date 
it  was  inflicted. 

Jackson  remained  in  ISTew  Orleans  till  March,  when 
be  was  relieved  by  General  Gaines.  On  taking  leave 
of  bis  troops,  who,  by  their  cheerful  endurance  of 
hardships  and  their  bravery,  bad  become  endeared  to 
bim,  be  issued  an  address  full  of  ecomiums  on  their 
conduct,  and  expressions  of  love  for  their  character. 
He  concluded  by  saying,  "  Farewell,  fellow-soldiers  ! 
The  expression  of  your  General's  thanks  is  feeble;  but 
tbe  gratitude  of  a  country  of  freemen  is  yours, — 
yours  tbe  applause  of  an  admiring  world."  What  a 
contrast  does  this  man,  covered  with  tbe  laurels  of 
bis  two  recent  campaigns,  present  to  the  captive  boy, 
whose  band  was  brutally  gashed  by  a  subordinate 
British  officer,  because  he  refused  to  black  bis  boots  ! 


322  AXDEEW   JACKSON. 

This  world  has  changes.  The  lad  with  his  eje  to  the 
knot-hole  at  Camden  watching  the  defeat  of  the 
American  troops  with  anguish,  and  the  hero  gazing 
proudly  on  the  flying  columns  of  the  veteran  troops 
of  the  British  empire,  are  the  same  in  soul, — but  how 
difl:erent  in  position !  They  say,  "  Time  sets  all 
things  even."  In  Jackson's  case,  the  wrongs  done  to 
his  family  by  an  oppressive  nation,  and  the  outrages 
he  himself  had  received,  were  terribly  avenged. 

The  country  was  once  more  at  peace,  and  General 
Jackson  turned  his  footsteps  towards  his  peaceful 
home  near  IS'ashville.  Acclamations,  and  bonfires, 
and  salutes  of  artillery  marked  Ms  progress  ;  and 
"  Old  Hickory,"  as  he  had  been  named,  both  from 
the  firmness  of  his  character,  and  from  the  "  hickory 
grounds"  where  he  prostrated  the  Creek  nation,  was 
in  every  one's  mouth. 

Still  holding  his  rank  in  the  army,  he  was  once 
more  absorbed  in  agricultural  pursuits,  and  the 
warrior  became  the  peaceful  farmer.  He  thus  con- 
tinued the  life  of  an  ordinary  citizen  for  two  years, 
when  the  troui)les  on  the  Southern  frontier,  arising 
from  the  depredations  of  the  fugitive  Creeks  and 
Seminoles,  together  with  runaway  slaves,  directed 
the  attention  of  the  government  to  him.  General 
Gaines  had  been  stationed  on  the  frontiers  to  25re- 
serve  peace  ;  but  instead  of  succeeding,  he  had  lost 
one  of  his  best  officers,  Lieutenant  Scott,  who  with 


Or.DEKED    TO    FLORIDA.  323 

forty-seven  othei*s,  several  of  them  women  and  clilldren, 
were  massacred  in  cold  blood.  A  prompt,  resolute,  ex- 
ecutive man,  was  evidently  needed  in  that  quarter,  and 
Jackson  was  at  once  ordered  to  proceed  to  Fort  Scott, 
and  take  command.  He  w^as  authorized  to  call,  if  neces- 
sary, on  the  neighboring  States  for  help  ;  also,  if  circum- 
stances should  justify  it,  to  cross  the  boundary  line  of 
Florida,  on  to  Spanish  ground.  Putting  himself  at 
the  head  of  the  Tennessee  volunteers,  he  repaired  to 
the  post  assigned  him.  Finding  that  large  bands  of 
hostile  negroes  and  Indians  were  protected  by  the 
Spanish  authorities,  either  through,  fear  or  through 
enmity  to  the  United  States,  he  did  not  hesitate  to 
cross  the  border.  He  marched  at  once  into  the 
Seminole- towns,  where  strings  of  recent  scalps  attested 
the  success  of  these  marauders.  Hastening  on  to  St. 
Mark's,  he  found  that  it  was  virtually  in  possession  of 
the  enemy.  Chiefs  and  warriors,  and  British  incen- 
diaries, carried  on  their  machinations,  and  held  their 
councils  of  war  in  the  commandant's  own  quarters. 
He,  therefore,  at  once  demanded  the  surrender  of  the 
fort,  to  be  garrisoned  by  American  troops  for  the  pro- 
tection of  American  interests.  A  refusal  being  sent, 
he  quietly  marched  his  army  into  it,  and  seizing 
several  British  bandits,  who  were  stirring  up  the 
Indians  to  massacre,  made  summary  work  with  them. 
One  Arbuthnot,  an  Indian  trader,  was  tried  by  court- 
martial,  and  shot.     Ambrister,  formerly  a  lieutenant 


32^  A2sDllEW   JACKSON. 

in  the  Britisli  marine  corps,  received  a  milder  Sexi- 
tence,  which  Jackson  disapproved  of.  It  was,  there- 
fore, reconsidered,  and  he,  too,  was  shot.  By  this 
stern  and  decided  action,  having  quelled  the  distm-b- 
ances,  he  was  about  to  dismiss  the  troops,  when  he 
received  information  that  the  Governor  of  Pensacola 
was  giving  protection  to  the  hostile  savages,  furnishing 
them  with  ammunition,  provisions,  &c.,  and  that  a 
number  had  lately  sallied  out  from  that  place  and  mur- 
dered eighteen  Americans.  On  their  return,  they 
were  received  with  favor  by  the  Governor,  and  sup- 
plied with  the  means  of  escape  from  the  pursuit  of 
American  troops.  Enraged  at  this  violation  of  treaty 
stipulations,  Jackson,  with  twelve  hundred  men,  took 
up  his  line  of  march  for  the  town,  scouring  the  coun- 
try as  he  went.  The  Governor  of  West  Florida,  hear- 
ing of  his  approach,  sent  a  stern  protest  against  the  in- 
vasion of  his  territory,  and  threatened,  if  he  advanced 
farther,  to  repel  him  by  force  of  arms.  The  next  day 
the  latter  was  in  Pensacola.  The  terrified  Governor 
fled  to  Fort  Carlos  de  Barrancos.  Thither  the  inde- 
fatigable American  commander  followed  him,  and 
soon  the  Stars  and  Stripes  were  floating  above  the 
fort.  He  then  sent  out  small  companies  to  overrun 
the  surrounding  country,  and  annihilate  the  small 
bands  that  still  hutig  together. 

Thus,  in  a  short  time,  he  finished  the  Seminole 


SEMINOLE    WAR.  825 

campaign ;  and  in  June  of  the  same  year  returned  to 
the  Hermitage. 

The  bold  course  he  had  taken,  the  responsibility  he 
had  assumed,  demanded  inquiry.  Many  blamed  him 
for  the  execution  of  Arbuthnot  and  Ambrister, — others 
denounced  his  violation  of  Spanish  territory.  But 
his  course,  throughout,  was  sustained  by  the  govern- 
ment ;  and  next  year,  when  Florida  was  ceded  to  the 
United  States,  the  president  appointed  him  commis- 
sioner to  receive  the  provinces,  and  governor,  endowed 
with  all  the  civil  and  judicial,  as  well  as  military  author- 
ity, which  the  Spanish  governors  had  wielded.  He  ac- 
cepted the  appointment,  though  with  reluctance,  and 
in  July,  1821,  issued  his  gubernatorial  proclamations 
at  Pensacola.  It  was  stipulated  in  the  Treaty  of 
Cession  that  all  public  documents  and  papers  relating 
to  the  government  should  be  surrendered.  This, 
however,  was  not  done  ;  and  Jackson  having  received 
a  petition  stating  that  papers  affecting  the  rights  of 
some  orphan  females  were  wrongfully  kept  back  by 
the  ex-governor  Callava,  and  that  they  were  now  in  the 
hands  of  a  man  named  Sousa,  ordered  three  officers  to 
wait  on  the  latter  gentleman,  and  demand  them.  Re- 
fusing to  surrender  them,  he  was  summoned  to  ap- 
pear before  the  American  Governor.  He  came ; 
but  stated  he  had  sent  the  papers  to  the  ex- 
governor.      Jackson    then    despatched     officers    to 

the     ex-governor,    with     orders    to    demand    them, 
16 


326  AXDREW   JACKSON. 

and  if  he  refused  to  give  them  up,  to  seize  both  him 
and  his  steward.  The  Governor  treating  the  demand 
with  contempt,  he  was  imceremonionslj  walked  off 
to  Jackson.  Eefusing  to  sm*render  them  to  the  latter 
also,  he  was  locked  up  in  prison.  'Next  morning  the 
papers  were  obtained,  when  the  declaration  of  the 
petitioners  was  found  to  be  true.  Having  obtained 
the  papers,  Jackson  ordered  the  ex-governor  to  be  re- 
leased from  confinement.  The  latter  afterwards  pub- 
lished a  severe  attack  on  him  in  one  of  the  journals, 
and  the  high-handed  measures  of  the  American  Gov- 
ernor, as  they  were  called  by  many,  were  denounced 
in  various  quarters.  But  he  took  the  same  course  with 
the  ex-governor  of  East  Florida,  with  regard  to  im- 
portant documents,  who  in  tm-n  protested  against 
the  act.  Several  Sj^anish  officers  attacked  him 
through  the  newspapers,  and  attempted  to  create 
dissatisfaction  and  distm^bance.  Jackson  disposed 
of  them  more  effectually  than  he  did  of  the  ex- 
governors.  Telling  them  that  by  the  treaty  they 
were  to  leave  the  provinces  in  six  months  after  its 
ratification,  and  as  the  time  had  now  more  than 
expired,  he  would  give  them  only  a  week  to  depart- 
They  hurried  away  from  the  jurisdiction  of  a  man 
whose  blows  followed  his  words  so  fast,  and  who 
seemed  to  have  so  little  respect  for  Castilian  blood. 
Murmurs  and  complaints  can  make  but  little  pro- 
gress against  such  prompt  and  decisive  action,  and 


RESIGNS   HIS   COJSIMISSION.  327 

order  and  peace  were  soon  restored.  Ilis  liealtli, 
however,  failing,  he  was  compelled  to  leave  the 
direction  of  affairs  in  the  hands  of  his  secretaries, 
and  return  home. 

It  is  not  our  province  to  discuss  the  conduct  of 
Jackson  in  relation  to  the  Seminole  war,  or  his 
measures  as  governor.  They  were  carefully  sifted 
by  the  government,  and  approved  of,  and  though 
afterwards  used  against  him  by  political  opponents, 
they  have  never  been  condemned  by  the  only  tribu- 
nal that  has  a  right  to  adjudicate  in  the  matter. 

Jackson's  health  continuing  feeble,  he  resigned 
his  commission  in  the  army,  and  became  once  more 
a  private  citizen.  In  1823,  President  Monroe  ten- 
dered him  the  office  of  minister  plenipotentiary  to 
Mexico,  which  was  declined.  In  the  fall,  he  was 
elected  to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  held 
his  seat  for  two  years.  During  this  time  he  became 
a  candidate  for  the  presidency.  It  is  well  known 
that  at  the  election  in  1824,  although  he  received 
more  electoral  votes  than  either  of  his  three  rivals, 
he  did  not  obtain  the  majority  over  all  combined, 
as  required  by  the  Constitution,  and  the  election, 
therefore  went  to  the  House  of  Kepresentatives, 
which  threw  its  vote  for  John  Quincy  Adams. 

The  next  campaign,  of  1828,  was  of  a  viclent 
character.  Jackson  was  again  a  candidate,  and 
party  spirit  ran  so  high,  and  became  so  unscrupu- 


328  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

lous,  tliat  tlie  most  monstrous  accusations  were 
brought  against  liim.  His  services  to  his  country 
seemed  to  be  obliterated  from  the  minds  of  his  as- 
sailants, and  hatreds  were  begun,  and  feelings  en- 
gendered, whose  desolating  effects  have  scarcely  yet 
passed  away.  Jackson,  however,  was  triumphantly 
elected,  having  received  a  hundred  and  seventy- 
eight  of  the  electoral  votes,  while  but  eighty-three 
were  cast  for  Mr.  Adams. 

The  removal  of  the  Indian  tribes,  intimation  of 
his  approaching  attack  on  the  United  States  bank, 
and  the  avowal  of  a  determination  to  adjust  at  once 
the  nortli eastern  boundary  with  Great  Britain,  then 
a  bone  of  contention,  and  obtain  payment  of  the 
claims  of  American  citizens  against  France,  were 
the  chief  topics  of  interest  in  his  first  inaugural. 
His  veto  of  the  bill  which  passed  both  houses  of 
Congress  in  May,  1830,  authorizing  a  subscription  of 
stock  in  the  "  Maysville,  Washington,  Paris,  and  Lex- 
ington Turnpike  Road  Company,"  was  an  act  which 
excited  much  discussion  during  the  year  1830. 

In  '32,  the  bill  to  recharter  the  Bank  of  the 
United  States  passed  both  houses  of  Congress,  but 
was  vetoed  by  Jackson.  Probably  the  currency  of 
a  country  never  received  so  sudden  and  disastrous  a 
blow  from  the  hand  of  its  ruler,  as  ours  did  from 
this  veto  message. 

But,   notwithstanding  the   terrible   derangement 


AKRESTS     DISUNION. 


into  wliicli  tlie  moneyed  interests  had  been  thrown, 
and  tlie  wide-spread  denunciation  of  the  arbitrary 
act  that  had  effected  it,  he  was  in  this  year  re- 
elected to  the  presidency  by  an  overwhehning  ma- 
jority, receiving  two  hundred  and  nineteen  votes, 
while  Henry  Clay  received  but  forty-nine,  John 
Floyd  eleven  from  South  Carolina,  and  William 
"Wirt  seven  from  Vermont. 

During  the  first  summer  of  his  second  administra- 
tion. South  Carolina  openly  proclaimed  the  right  of 
secession  from  the  confederacy.     The  organization 
of  an   army  was   commenced,  and  arms  procured 
under  the  sanction  of  the  State,  to  repel  all  attempts 
by  the  general  government  to  execute  the  revenue 
laws,  which  she  declared  to  be  unjust  in  their  oper- 
ation on  her.     The  strength  of  the  tie  that  bound 
the   Union  together,  was   now-  to   be   tested.     The 
power  of  a  separate  State  to  retire  from  the  compact 
was  no  longer  a  claim  loudly  vaunted,  it  had  been 
assumed,  and  now  it  w^as  to  be  seen,  whether  the 
power  of  the  Federal  government  was  only  in  words 
or  whether  it  would  dare  to  exercise  it,  if  necessary, 
even  at  the  bayonet's  point.     The  attitude  of  this 
wayward,  selfish,  and  disturbing  State,  had  brought 
on  a  crisis,  the  termination  of  which  would  affect 
the  history  of  our  republic  to  remotest  time.     A 
w^eak  and  temporizing  President,  would,  inevitably 
have  produced   a  state  of  things  from  which  the 


330  AXCfREW   JACKSON. 

Federal  gOYernment  must  have  emerged  weakened 
in  its  antliority  and  cripj^led  in  its  power.  The 
Union  would  have  been  a  fiction  and  en  nnmixed 
republic  the  jest  and  bye- word  of  Europe.  For  such 
a  crisis  as  South  Carolina  presented,  no  President 
since  TTashington  was  so  well  adapted  as  Jackson. 
The  Tery  executiveness  of  character — the  readi- 
ness to  assume  responsibility,  fearless  of  conse- 
quences— the  frightful  energy  with  which  he  exe- 
cuted what  he  thought  to  be  right — qualities  and 
characteristics  certain  to  lead  to  error  in  the  ordi- 
nary course  of  calm  legislation,  were  just  what  was 
wanted  in  this  collision  between  a  State  and  the 
Union.  The  same  determination  which  overawed 
the  lawless  frontier  men  of  Tennessee,  quelled  mu- 
tiny in  his  army,  and  frightened  into  inactivity  the 
discontented  spirits  of  'New  Orleans,  shone  forth 
conspicuously  and  gloriously  here.  He  immediately 
garrisoned  the  fortifications  in  that  State,  and  in  his 
next  annual  message  called  on  Congress  to  attend 
to  this  matter.  Still  pursuing  her  treasonable 
course.  South  Carolina  declared  officially  that  the  acts 
of  Congress  to  which  she  had  objected,  were  null 
and  void.  This  was  followed  by  Jackson's  famous 
proclamation,  which  remains  to  this  day,  the  noblest 
monument  to  his  memory.  Planting  himself  on  the 
Constitution,  he  calmly,  yet  irresistibly  struck  down 
every  argument  used  by  the  State,  made  clear  as 


HIS   PEOCLA^IATION.  331 

noonday  tlie  duty  of  the  Federal  government,  and 
then  appealed  to  his  native  State  in  the  language  of 
true  patriotism,  calling  on  his  fellow-citizens  to  re- 
member her  Sumter's,  Rutledges,  and  Pinckneys, 
to  remember  the  glorious  Union,  for  which  they  had 
fought,  and  implored  heaven  to  preserve  them  from 
the  guilt  of  "  TREASON."  In  the  meantime,  he  took 
steps  which  clearly  indicated  the  course  he  had  re- 
solved to  pursue.  His  well-known  character — the 
promptness  and  fearlessness  with  which  he  executed 
his  plans— the  absolute  certainty  that  his  blow 
would  exceed  the  threat  that  preceded  it,  and  that 
in  pursuing  the  path  of  his  duty,  he  would  walk  un- 
flinchingly over  State  authority,  local  legislature, 
armed  citizens,  and  prostrate  towns,  awed  the  clam- 
orous, and  hushed  into  silence  the  loud-talking  poli- 
ticians, who  delighted  in  high-sounding  speeches, 
but  swerved  from  an  encounter,  which  was  to  be  so 
deadly  and  final.  A  thousand  errors  growing  out  of 
such  an  executive  character  and  affecting  only  the 
financial  affairs  of  a  nation,  could  be  forgiven  for 
one  act,  springing  from  the  same  source,  that  pre- 
served the  integrity  of  the  Union.  His  conduct  in 
this  crisis  is  a  precedent  for  all  our  future  chief  ma- 
gistrates ;  and  taking  into  consideration  not  the  pos- 
sible but  the  prohaUe  evils  which  are  to  threaten  us, 
will  more  than  compensate  for  the  dangerous  and 
unconstitutional   use  which   he   made   of  the  veto 


332  AXDEEW    JACKSON. 

power.  Xow  that  tlie  hatred  and  injustice  of  party 
spirit  have  passed  away,  or  been  buried  in  the  true 
patriot's  grave,  we  can  look  calmly  on  his  political 
life.  His  conduct  towards  the  United  States  Bank, 
cannot  be  justified.  Granting  the  corruption  of  that 
institution  and  the  abuse  of  its  influence  and  power, 
the  duty  of  the  President  remained  the  same.  The 
responsibility  rested  on  Congress.  In  a  republic, 
corruption  and  the  abuse  of  public  confidence  is 
sure  to  be  avenged  in  time,  and  the  pecuniary  loss 
which  shall  occur  in  the  short  interval  between  tlie 
crime  and  punishment,  is  not  to  be  compared  with 
the  dangerous  precedent  set  by  a  ruler  who  inter- 
feres with  the  ordinary  course  of  legislation  with  his 
indi^ddual  opinions,  enforced  through  his  official 
power.  To  re-charter  the  United  States  Bank,  grant- 
ing all  to  be  tnie  that  was  said  of  it  (and  of  its  cor- 
ruption there  can  be  no  doubt,)  would  not  have  been 
so  great  a  violation  of  the  spirit  of  the  Constitution,  as 
was  this  stretch  of  the  veto  power,  and  the  removal 
of  the  deposits  in  direct  violation  of  the  vote  of  Con- 
gress. Such  conduct,  if  continued  in  and  legitimately 
carried  out,  would  end  in  making  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States  as  destitute  of  authority  and  power  as 
the  French  Senate  and  Assembly  are  under  Louis  JS'a- 
poleon.  It  would,  in  fact,  place  the  control  of  the 
legislative  action  entirely  in  the  hands  of  the  execu- 
tive.   The  Constitution  bestowed  the  veto  power  to 


THE   VETO   POWER.  ^^^ 

check  plain  and  intentional  violations  of  its  decrees, 
not  to  arrest  the  natural  course  of  legislation.     In  a 
republic,  Congress  lias  nothing  to  gain  from  the  use 
of  arbitrary  power,  but   an  individual  may  have 
much  to  gain.     A  corrupt  institution  is  bad,  but  the 
establishment  of  a  principle  or  precedent  dangerous 
to  representative  freedom  is  worse.     At  first  sight, 
it  seems  strange,  that  one  with  Jackson's  democratic 
feelings  and  tendencies,  should  have  departed  so  far 
in  this  respect,  from  all  who  had  preceded  him,  from 
those  even  who  believed  in  concentrating  all  the 
power  that  could  be  obtained  from  the  Constitution 
and  patronage  in  the  executive.     But,  it  must  be 
remembered,  that  he  not  only  always  exhibited  this 
contradiction   of  character,  but   it   made   him   the 
remarkable  man  he  was.     He  loved  the  untutored 
freedom  of  western  life,  but  he  allowed  no  discus- 
sion or  remonstrance  to  interfere  with  the  discharge 
of  his  duty.     He  loved  the  volunteer  system,  and 
called  on  the  yoimg  men  of  his  State  as  freemen  to 
gather  under  his  banner,  but  when  there,  he  de- 
manded implicit  obedience  to  his  commands,  and 
paying  no  attention  to  remonstrances  or  menaces, 
punished  with  unrelenting  severity  those  who  refused. 
It  is  unjust  and  exhibits  a  narrow  spirit  to  judge 
such  a  man  by  ordinary  rules.     Born  evidently,  to 
fulfil  a  certain  destiny,  he  became  a  law,  as  it  were, 
to  himself,  which  those  who  denounce  the  strongest 


334:  ANDREW    JACKSOX. 

at  firstj  in  the  end  are  compelled  to  acknowledge  as 
good  in  its  general  workings.  Besides,  the  same 
indej^endent,  resolute,  and  fearless  character,  which, 
in  the  commencement  of  his  career,  prompted  him 
to  disobey  the  orders  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  to 
disband  his  troops, — 'the  same  which  faced  down  a 
mutinous  army,  and  carried  him  gloriously  through 
the  Creek  Campaign — the  same  which  laid  violent 
hands  on  the  legislature  and  court  of  a  State,  and 
finally  triumphed  over  the  veteran  troops  of  Eng- 
land,— the  same  which  to  finish  the  Seminole  w^ar, 
hesitated  not  to  march  into  the  territory  of  another 
State, — the  same  which  saved  the  republic  from 
civil  war  and  the  Union  from  shipwreck,  would 
inevitably  lead  in  civil  matters  to  the  arbitrary  use 
of  power.  A  character  so  formed  by  nature,  and 
educated  by  circumstances  cannot  bend  to  a  course 
that  wars  with  its  convictions.  To  expect  it  is  to 
expect  impossibilities.  The  use  of  the  veto  power 
and  the  removal  of  the  deposits  from  the  United 
States  Bank,  were  undoubtedly  unconstitutional,  if 
the  definition  of  one  of  England's  greatest  historians 
of  an  unconstitutional  act  be  correct,  viz.,  ''  one  that 
is  a  perilous  innovation  on  former  usages."  In  this 
respect,  Jackson  was  like  Tiberius  Gracchus,  one  of 
the  Eoman  tribunes,  who  forcibly  removed  Octavius, 
his  colleague,  because  he  vetoed  his  Agrarian  bill. 
The  speech  by  which  the  latter  endeavored  to  justify 


HIS   PROTEST. 


336 


himself,  reminds  one  forcibly  of  Jackson's  defence. 
They  were  both  made  after  the  same  model  of  Eoman 
virtue  and  fearlessness,  and  while  striving  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  people  sometimes  transgressed  their  legiti- 
mate powers,  and  like  Yergniaud,  the  great  and  elo- 
quent   Girondin,  were  called  upon  to  ponder  that 
fearful  problem  which  the  latter  uttered  in  the  French 
Assembly,  "  Is  a  magistrate  to  le  suffered  constitw- 
tionally  to  ruin  the  Constitution  f 

That  Jackson  reverenced  the  Constitution  no  im- 
partial man  can  doubt ;  and  yet  the  resolution  in- 
troduced by  Mr.  Clay  in  the  Senate,  declaring  that 
he  had  acted  in  derogation  of  it,  is  also  true  in  fact. 
The  passage  of  this  resolution  called  forth  a  protest 
from  the   President,  and  it  now  stands  on  the  re- 
cords of  that  body,  surrounded  by   a  great  black 
mark,    put    there    by   the    expurgating    act.     The 
protest  was  an  able  one,  and  the  closing  sentences 
eloquent  and  noble.     The  imputation  of  acting  from 
corrupt  motives  filled  Jackson  with  sorrow.    "Said 
he  :  "I  have  lived  in  vain,  if  it  be  necessary  to  en- 
ter into  a  formal  vindication  of  my  character  and 
motives  from  such   an  imputation.     In  vain  do  I 
bear  upon  my  person  enduring  memorials  of  that 
contest  in  which  American  liberty  was  purchased,— 
in  vain  have  I  since  perilled  property,  fame,  and 
life,  in  defence  of  the  rights  and  privileges  so  dearly 
bought,— in  vain  am  I  now,  without  a  personal  aspi- 


66b  A2s^DKEW   JACKSON. 

ration  or  tlie  liope  of  individual  advantage,  encoun- 
tering responsibilities  and  dangers  from  which,  by 
mere  inactivity  in  relation  to  a  single  point,  I  might 
have  been  exempt, — if  any  serious  doubts  can  be 
entertained  as  to  the  purity  of  my  purposes  and 
motives.  K  I  had  been  ambitious,  I  should  have 
sought  an  alliance  with  that  powerful  institution 
which,  even  now,  aspires  to  no  divided  empire.  If 
I  had  been  venal,  I  should  have  sold  myself  to  its 
designs.  Had  I  preferred  personal  comfort  and  of- 
ficial ease  to  the  performance  of  my  arduous  duty, 
I  should  have  ceased  to  molest  it.  In  the  history  of 
conquerors  and  usurpers,  never,  in  the  fire  of  youth, 
nor  in  the  vigor  of  manhood,  could  I  find  an  attrac- 
tion to  lure  me  from  the  path  of  duty ;  and  now  I 
shall  scarcely  find  an  inducement  to  commence  their 
career  of  ambition,  when  gray  hairs  and  a  decaying 
frame,  instead  of  inviting  to  toil  and  battle,  call  me 
to  the  contemplation  of  other  worlds,  where  con- 
querors cease  to  be  honored,  and  usurpers  expiate 
their  crimes. 

"  The  only  ambition  I  can  feel  is,  to  acquit  myself 
to  Him  to  whom  I  must  soon  render  an  account  of 
my  stewardship,  to  serve  my  fellow-men,  and  live 
respected  and  honored  in  the  history  of  my  coun- 
try. ISTo  !  the  ambition  which  leads  me  on  is  an 
anxious  desire  and  a  fixed  determination  to  return  to 
the  people,  unimpaired,  the  sacred  trust  they  have 


ins   PROTEST.  337 

confided  to  my  cliarge  ;  to  lieal  tlie  wounds  of  tlie 
Constitution,  and  preserve  it  from  further  violation  ; 
to  persuade  my  countrymen,  so  far  as  I  may,  that  it 
is  not  in  a  splendid  government,  supported  by  pow- 
erful monopolies  and  aristocratical  establishments, 
that  they  will  find  happiness,  or  their  liberties  pro- 
tection, but  in  a  plain  system,  void  of  pomp,  protect- 
ing all,  and  granting  favors  to  none,  dispensing  its 
blessings  like  the  dews  of  heaven,  unseen  and  un- 
felt,  save  in  the  freshness  and  beauty  they  contri- 
bute to  produce.  It  is  such  a  government  that  the 
genius  of  our  people  requires ; — such  an  one  only 
under  which  our  States  may  remain,  for  ages  to 
come,  united,  prosperous,  and  free.  If  the  Almighty 
Being,  who  has  hitherto  sustained  and  protected  me, 
will  but  vouchsafe  to  make  my  feeble  powers  instru- 
mental to  such  a  result,  I  shall  anticipate  with  plea- 
sure the  place  to  be  assigned  me  in  the  history  of 
my  country,  and  die  contented  with  the  belief  that 
I  have  contributed,  in  some  small  degree,  to  in- 
crease the  value,  and  prolong  the  duration  of  Ame- 
rican liberty." 

There  is  a  noble  sorrow  in  this  allusion  to  his  ser- 
vices and  sufi'ering  in  the  cause  of  his  country's  free- 
(iom, — a  lofty  candor  in  the  declaration  of  the  purity 
of  his  motives, — which  it  is  impossible  to  resist. 
He  loved  his  country  above  life  or  fame.  A  more 
patriotic  heart  never  beat  in  a  human  bosom ;  and 


l38  ANDREW   JACKSON. 

^t  was  tlie  consciousness  of  this  that  gave  him  such 

:i  strong  hold  upon  the  heart  of  the  American 

people. 
This   collision,  however,  between  him   and  the 

Senate  embittered  the  close  of  his  administration ; 
for,  as  he  had  disregarded  the  resolutions  of  that 
body,  so  they  disregarded  his  nominations  ;  and 
much  hostility  was  engendered,  which  spread  among 
the  partisans  of  each. 

France  neglecting  to  pay  the  instalment  agreed 
upon  in  the  Convention  of  1831,  Jackson,  in  the 
message  of  1833,  recommended  the  passage  of  a 
law  authorizing  reprisals  to  be  made  on  French 
property  on  the  high  seas.  This  bold  and  decided 
step  aroused  the  anger  of  the  French  government ; 
and  our  minister  at  Paris  was  offered  his  passports. 
Louis  Philij)pe,  however,  thought  better  of  it,  paid 
the  instalment,  and,  several  years  after,  sent  an 
artist  to  take  Jackson's  portrait,  that  he  might  hang 
it  up  beside  that  of  Washington. 

Just  before  the  close  of  Jackson's  second  term,  he 
was  seized  with  a  severe  hemorrhage  of  the  lungs, 
which  completely  prostrated  him.  He,  however, 
sufficiently  recovered  to  attend  the  inauguration  of  his 
successor,  and  then  retui-ned  to  the  Hermitage.  IS'o 
president  since  the  time  of  "Washington  ever  wielded 
so  great  a  political  influence  after  his  retirement  as 
he.     He  was  still  the  oracle  of  his  party ;  and  every 


HIS   DEATH.  3^^ 


ear  ^^as  turned  to  catch  the  worcb  of  counsel  that 
should  fall  from  his  lii>s.  Though  feeble  in  health, 
he  took  a  great  interest  in  the  politics  of  his  coun- 
try, and  watched  the  course  of  public  events  with 
unceasing  anxiety. 

He  lived  eight  years  after  his  retirement  from 
office,  most  of  which  time  he  spent  on  his  estate. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  ;  and, 
to  accommodate  his  servants  and  family,  built  a 
house  of  worship  on  his  own  plantation.     In  1815 
his  health  began  to  fail  rapidly.     His  disease  was 
dropsy,  from  which  he  suffered  great  pain,  so  that, 
for  months  previous  to  his  death,  he  was  unable  to 
lie  down  at  all,  and  could  get  no  sleep  except  by 
taking  opiates.     He  bore  all,  however,  with  forti- 
tude ;  and  the  principles  which  his  mother  had  in- 
stilled into  his  youthful  heart  now  began  to  bear 
their  fruit.    The  hero  of  so  many  battles,  and  the 
fearless   and  desperate  warrior,   turned,   with   the 
nieekness  of  a  child,  to  the  Bible  for  solace  and  sup- 
port    Said  he :  "  I  am  in  the  hands  of  a  mercifu 
God     I  have  full  confidence  in  his  goodness  and 
mercy.     My  lamp  of  life  is  nearly  out,  and  the  last 
glimmer  is   come.     I  am  ready  to  depart  when 
called     The  Bible  is  true.     Upon  that  sacred  vol- 
ume I  rest  my  hope  of  eternal  salvation    through 
the   merits   and  blood   of    our  blessed   Lord  and 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ."    Sunday  morning,  the  8th 


340  A^fDREW   JACESON. 

of  June,  he  swooned  for  a  while,  and  it  was  supposed 
the  spirit  had  fled.  But,  at  length,  reviving,  he 
called  around  him  his  family  and  servants,  and  took 
his  last  farewell  of  them.  Said  he  :  "  Do  not  grieve 
that  I  am  about  to  leave  you,  for  I  shall  be  better 
off.  Although  I  am  afflicted  w^ith  pain  and  bodily 
suffering,  they  are  nothing,  compared  with  the  suf- 
ferings of  the  Saviour  of  the  world,  who  was  put  to 
death  on  the  accursed  tree.  I  have  fulfilled  my 
destiny  on  earth  ;  and  it  is  better  that  this  worn-out 
frame  should  go  to  rest,  and  my  spirit  take  up  its 
abode  with  the  Redeemer."  In  this  strain  of  reli- 
gious feeling  he  continued,  at  intervals,  to  talk  to 
those  around  him,  gradually  sinking  lower  and 
lower  until  evening,  when  he  quietly  passed  away. 

As  memory  runs  back  over  the  career  of  this  in- 
domitable man,  one  turns  with  amazement  to  this 
death-scene.  What  an  exhibition  of  the  power  of 
religion  to  calm  and  subdue  the  passionate  nature, 
and  turn  the  lion  into  the  lamb  ! 

Andrew  Jackson  was  one  of  the  most  remarkable 
men  our  country  has  produced.  He  was  a  tyj)e — 
although  a  somewhat  exaggerated  one — of  the  true 
American  character.  Kind  and  gentle  in  domestic 
life,  prompt,  fearless  and  inflexible  as  a  soldier, 
rapid  in  his  perceptions,  and  resolute  in  executing 
his  plans,  cool  and  courageous  in  the  hour  of  danger, 
and  generous  and  self-sacrificing  to  a  fallen  foe,  he 


HIS    CHARACTER.  341 

had  mingled  in  him  the  finest  traits  of  a  man.  He 
had  also  the  power  of  adapting  himself  to  the  sit- 
uation he  was  in,  and  seemed  always  equal  to  every 
emergency.  "Warm  in  his  attachments,  and  fierce 
in  his  anger,  he  had  devoted  friends,  and  bitter  ene- 
mies. L-ritable  and  impetuous,  he,  in  moments  of 
excitement,  did  many  things  that  cannot  be  justified. 

Perhaps  the  weakest  point  in  his  character  was 
his  inability  to  deny  a  friend  a  favor.  He  could 
say  "  JSTo  "  to  a  foe,  but  not  to  one  who  loved  him. 
From  this  failing,  no  doubt,  sprung  that  bad  feature 
of  his  administration  which  has  now  become  a  set- 
tled policy ,^ — viz.,  the  distribution  of  all  places  of 
profit  or  honor  to  partisans. 

General  Jackson  was  tall  and  thin; — a  perfect 
Cassius,  as  all  men  of  irritable  and  impetuous  tem- 
peraments are  ;  and  it  was  the  spirit,  more  than  the 
body,  that  gave  him  such  wonderful  endurance. 
His  blue  eye,  when  no  emotion  mastered  him,  gave 
no  indication  of  the  terrible  fire  that  lay  beneath  its 
kind  expression ;  for,  when  suddenly  roused  by  pas- 
sion or  danger,  it  shot  forth  lightning,  and  his 
large  features  were  written  all  over  with  the  soul  on 
fire. 

Honors  were  everywhere  paid  to  his  memory; 
and  friends  and  foes  acknowledged  that  ^  great  man 
had  fallen. 


iL  MARVEL^S  WORKS* 


TIUBTEENTH  EBITION  OP 

REVERIES  OF  A  BACHELOR,  a  Book  of  the  Heart.     By  Ik.  Maevel.    1  toL 
12iuo.,  with  Illustrations  by  Daeley. 

The  Illustrated  Edition,  "with  Twenty-five  Illustrations,  will  be  ready  about  the  middle 
of  October. 

"Quotations  give  but  a  faint  idea  of  the  depth  of  feeling,  the  beautil'al  and  winning 
frankness,  the  elastic  vigor  of  soul,  and  the  singular  fidelity  of  expression  which  charac- 
terize this  remarable  volume.  Its  quaint  ingenuity  of  arrangement  is  wholly  lost  in 
extracts ;  and  in  order  to  enjoy  the  delicious  adaptation  of  form  to  sentiment  in  which  it 
would  be  hard  to  name  its  equal,  it  must  be  read  as  a  consummate,  artistic,  gem-like 
whole."— -JV.  T.  Tribune. 

"The  dreamy,  shadowy  haze  of  reverie,  its  fleet  transitions,  its  vivid  and  startling  pas- 
sages— more  vivid,  oftentimes,  than  anything  of  real  life — are  admirably  reproduced  on 
these  delicate  pages.  The  dense  and  deliberate  style,  though  nowise  itself  dreamy  and 
insubstantial,  deaUug  largely  rather  ia  the  tough  and  oaken  Saxon,  that  makes  the  strength 
of  our  hardy  tongue,  is  adapted  with  admirable  pliancy  to  the  movement  and  tone  of  tlie 
fancy.  There  are  passages  in  it — as  those  descriptive  of  early  separations,  schooldays  and 
their  sequel — that  will  start  the  memory,  with  a  quick  throb,  in  many  hearts.  And  there 
are  essential  and  permanent  quaUties  exhibited  in  it,  both  of  intellect  and  of  sensibility, 
that  give  noble  promise  of  a  future,  and  that  will  make  the  subsequent  publications  of  the 
author  events  to  be  watched  for." — Independent. 

The  writer  who  can  lure  a  few  of  his  fellow  mortals  away  from  the  bustle,  and 
the  sti'ife,  and  the  fret,  and  the  wear  and  tear  of  a  restless  existence — who  can  plant  thein 
in  his  own  quiet  arm-chair,  and  think  a  little  for  them  so  easily  and  so  cosily  that  they 
shall  fancy  his  thoughts  to  be  their  o^vn  soliloquies— who  can  caiTy  them  off  from  the 
engrossing  present,  backward  to  the  fallness  of  youth,  or  forward  to  the  repose  of  age^ 
vho  can  peel  ofij  here  and  there,  the  worldly  riad  that  grows  ever-thickening  over  the 
heart,  growing  fastest  and  thickest  in  the  hothouses  of  fashion,  and  in  the  rank  soil  of 
wealth— the  writer,  we  say,  who  can  do  this — Mr.  Ik.  Marvel  does  it  in  his  Eeveries— shall 
be  welcomed  to  a  place  in  our  regards,  and  cordially  recommended  to  our  readers'  book- 
ehelves."— -4^&*o?i. 

"This  is  a  pleasant  and  clever  book ;  racy,  genial,  lively  and  sparkling.  It  is  a  book  to 
put  one  In  good  humor  with  himself  and  all  the  ynoxliV— Southern  LiUrary  Gazette. 

"  It  is  an  exquisite  production,  the  like  of  which  the  press  has  not  produced  in  this 
country  or  in  England.  Portions  of  it  remind  us  forcibly  of  some  of  the  old,  and  almost 
unknown  French  authors,  whose  sketches  of  thought  and  feeling  we  have  never  seen 
equalled  for  delicacy  and  truth,  until  we  read  these  Eeveries.  The  book  is  especially 
welcome  as  one  of  a  new  class  in  this  country,  which  appeals  to  all  the  finer  feelings  of  the 
"h&wi^— Journal  of  Commerce. 

"  "Well  has  the  author  called  it  a  book  of  the  heart  Not  of  a  heart  withered  by  selfish- 
ness, mistaking  disappointment  for  sorrow,  hatred  of  the  world's  joys  for  philosophic  con- 
tempt ;  but  a  generous,  noble  heart,  that  has  sorrowed  as  we  have  sorrowed,  that  can  echo 
back  from  the  distant  hills  of  its  own  experience  our  own  cries — now  of  joy,  now  ol  grief 
ftud  our  songs  of  quiet  happiness."— J^.  Y.  Courier  and  Inquirer. 


DREAM  LIFE:  A  Fable  of  the  Seasons,    By  Ik.  Marvel.    1  vol.  12mo. 

A  charmingly  designed  and  beautifully  written  book*  It  will  add  to  his  previous  repu- 
tation.—  Tlie  Churchman. 

It  is  written  in  the  same  vein  as  the  "  Eeveries  of  a  Bachelor,"  by  the  same  author,  but 
Is  on  the  whole  a  better  booL— .A'".  Y.  Daily  Times. 

FRESH  GLEANINGS,  or  aNew  SUal  from  the  Oil  Field  oi  Contirental  Euroje.  By 
Ik.  Maevel.    1  voL,  12mo. 

"This  book  should  be  read  by  all  who  can  appreciate  a  style  full  of  grace,  in  a  composi- 
tion replete  with  original  and  striking  thoughts." — Boston  Journal. 

♦•  Agreeable,  quaint,  humorous,  philosophical,  pathetic,  charming,  glorious  Ik.  IMarvel  1 
It  is  as  refreshing  to  the  mind,  wearied  with  the  thrice-told  insipidities  of  continental 
travel  to  dip  into  his  fresh  sparkling  pages,  as  a  plunge,  this  hot  weather.  Into  the  cold, 
diamond,  deer-haimted  waters  of  some  mountain  lake.  "We  have  turned  over  his  soft, 
thick,  dainty  pages,  and  our  eye  has  glided  along  the  stream  of  his  bright  descriptions, 
pleasant  thoughts,  humorous  expressions,  and  characters  painted  with  a  few  light  touches, 
like  daguerreotype  portraits — very  Sterne-like  and  exceedingly  fine — until  arriving  at  the 
end  we  are  startled  at  the  rapidity  with  which  the  feet  of  Time,  flower-mulfled,  have  \x*Ar 
^au.''''— Albany  Atlas, 

"A  series  of  the  liveliest,  newest,  most  taking  and  most  graphic  sketches  of  out  of  the 
way  scenes,  character  and  incidents,  that  were  ever  done  up  between  a  pair  of  bookbinder's 
covers." — Commercial  Advertiser, 

"  This  is  decidedly  the  most  agreeable  book  of  the  season.    It  reminds  one  by  an  occa- 

tional  association  of  ideas,  rather  than  resemblance,  of  imitation  of  Sterne's  Sentimental 
Journey,  and  some  of  Longfellow's  transatlantic  sketches ;  but  its  freshness,  its  variety, 
graphic  descriptive  power,  and  genial  sympathies,  are  all  its  own.''''— Buffalo  Advertiser.   , 

THE  BATTLE  SUMMER.    Being  Transcripts  fjom  Personal  Observation  In  Paris 
during  the  year  1848,    By  Ik.  Maetel.    "With  Illustrations  by  Daeley.    1  voL,  12mo 

•*  It  Is  a  series  of  pictures — sketches  of  scenes  which  passed  under  the  author's  eye.  It 
Is  most  ably  done,  and  shows  the  hand  of  one  gifted  with  genius  and  destined  to  make  hi3 
mark  on  the  literature  of  hia  country."— J/I  Y.  Courier  and  JEnquirer, 

"  The  hook  Is  filled  with  a  series  of  pictures  and  sketches  more  graphic  it  would  be  difil 
cult  to  find." — J^eio  York  Recorder. 

"Like  a  talented  and  enthusiastic  artist,  he  placed  himself  in  the  best  positions,  and 
caught  the  lineaments>f  each  scene  to  be  transferred  to  his  canvas.  *  *  *  lu  truth,  he 
has  furnished  a  gallery  of  portraits  which  are  yQtj  life  like." — Presbyterian, 

"An  elaborate  history  would  foil  to  convey  so  vivid  and  truthful  a  conception  of  the 
rise,  progress  and  manner  of  the  '  second  reign_oi  terror'  as  is  to  be  obtained  from  this  work.' 
—Portland  Transcript. 

"  It  is  by  far  the  most  able  and  most  Impressive  account  of  the  scenes  In  Paris,  and 
reveals  a  power  of  description  that  will  give  the  author  a  lAme."— i\^.  I^.  Evangelist. 

IK.  MARVEL'S  WORKS.    Uniform  volumes.    Style  for  Libraries. 


HSRBEHT^S  NEW  ^'Q^L. 

THE  CAPTAINS  OF  THE  OLD  WORLD— Their  Campaigns— Character,  and 
Conduct  as  compai'cd  with  the  gi-eat  modern  Strategists — From  the  Tersian  Wars  to 
the  end  of  the  Eoman  Republic.  By  Heney  W.  Herbert.  1  vol  12mo.,  with  illua- 
ti-ations,  cloth.    Price,  $1  25. 

Contexts.— The  Military  Art  among  the  Greeks  and  Eomans — Miltiades,  the  soi  of  Cl- 
mon— His  battle  of  Marathon — Themistocles,  his  sea-fight  off  Salamis,  &c. — Pausanias, 
the  Spartan;  his  battle  of  Plataia,  &c. — Xenophon,  the  Athenian;  his  retreat  of  th© 
Ten  Thousand,  &c. — Epaminondas,  his  Campaigns,  battle  of  Leuktra  and  Mantinela — 
Alexander  of  Macedon,  his  battles  of  the  Granikos,  Issos,  and  Arbela,  &c. — Hannibal, 
his  battles  of  the  Ticinus,  Trebbia,  Thrasymene,  and  Canse. 

"The  theme  is  full  of  interest,  to  which  Mr.  Herbert's  known  literary  ability  and  classi- 
cal taste  may  be  expected  to  give  due  exposition.  The  work  is  an  original  one — the  ma- 
terial of  which  he  claims  to  derive,  not  from  modem  books,  but  from  the  ancient  authentic 
sources  of  history  which  he  has  examined  for  himself." —  U.  &  Gazette  <&  N.  American. 

"Mr.  Herbert  has  succeeded  admirably— and  has  produced  a  work  that  will  entitle  him 
to  a  high  rank  with  the  best  authors  of  his  native  and  hib  adopted  country." — Syracusa 
Star. 

"The  exploits  of  those  captains  are  detailed,  whose  achievements  exerted  the  most 
powerful  influence  on  the  destinies  of  the  world.  The  author  is  a  well-read  historian,  and 
lias  contemplated  the  events  he  describes  with  the  eye  of  a  philosopher  and  scholar."— 
Philadelphia  Presbyterian. 

"This  is  a  powerful  and  brilliant  delineation  of  the  captains  of  the  Old  "World— it  opens 
•with  the  three  great  "Wars  of  Greece,  and  traces  the  course  of  Hannibal  in  the  most  capti 
rating  s.tyle."— Albany  Spectator. 

"  To  a  nervous  and  pointed  style  the  author  adds  the  research  of  a  scholar  and  the  en- 
thusiasm of  a  man  of  action.  The  strategies  of  warfare — the  arming  of  troops,  and  the 
stern  conflicts  of  man  with  man,  are  of  course  congenial  subjects  to  one  whose  knowledge 
cf  skill  in  woodcraft  is  proverbial,  and  Mr.  Herbert  consequently  enters  into  them  with 
gusto  and  with  clearness  of  perception." — TJie  Albion. 

"This  volume  which  is  intended  to  be  the  first  of  a  scries,  includes  seven  of  the  greatest 
generals  of  antiquity,  beginning  with  Miltiades  and  ending  with  Hannibal.  The  facts  are  all 
draASTi  from  the  most  authentic  sources,  and  the  chai'acters  displayed  with  uncommoa 
skill  and  effect.  It  was  a  bright  thought,  the  bringing  together  of  these  illustrious  names 
in  one  grow^.'"— Albany  Argus. 

"  The  writer  draws  a  comparison  between  them  and  the  great  modern  strategists,  and 
gives  an  exceedingly  interesting  and  graphic  picture  of  the  celebrated  conflicts  of  olden 
times  from  the  Persian  wars  to  the  Punic  wars."— iV^  Y.  Observer. 

"  This  is  an  unique  and  able  work.  It  displays  sound  and  varied  scholarship,  united 
With  a  knowledge  of  the  military  art  rarely  possessed  by  a  civilian.  There  is  a  truth  and 
freshness  about  the  descriptions  that  show  the  author  to  be  no  second-hand  compiler,  but 
one  who  has  drawn  his  knowledge  from  a  careful  study  of  the  Greek  and  Eoman  historiaas 
in  their  native  garb.  We  would  recommend  this  work  to  the  attention  of  the  young  stu- 
dent, as  a  better  manual  of  antiquities  relativo  to  the  military  art,  than  any  set  treatise  oa 
the  subject,  while  its  views  of  historical  epochs  and  political  relations  are  equally  valuable 
and  trustworthy.  His  analysis  of  the  character  and  strategy  of  the  great  captains  of  anti 
quliy  is  full  of  interest  and  instruction."'— A^.  Y.  Recorder, 


RURAL  HOMES;  Ob, SKETCHES  OF  HOUSES  suited  to  American  Co'intrj  Life. 
With  over  70  Original  Plans,  Designs,  &c  By  Geevasb  Wheelek.  1  voL  12nK». 
Price,  $1,25. 

It  commences  with  the  first  foot-tread  upon  the  spot  chosen  for  the  house ;  details  the 
considerations  that  should  weigh  in  selecting  the  site ;  gives  models  of  buildings  differing 
in  character,  extent,  and  cost ;  shows  how  to  harmonize  the  building  witli  the  surrounding 
Boenery ;  teaches  how  healthfully  to  warm  and  ventilate ;  assists  in  selecting  furniture  and 
the  innumerable  articles  of  utility  and  ornament  used  in  constructing  and  finishing,  and 
concludes  with  final  practical  directions,  gi\'ing  useful  limits  as  to  drawing  up  written  de- 
Bcriptions,  specifications  and  contracts. 

"  In  this  neat  and  tasteful  volume,  Mr.  "Wlieeler  has  condensed  the  results  of  an  accom- 
plished training  in  his  art,  and  the  liberal  professional  practice  of  it. 

"  We  can  confidently  recommend  this  elaborate  production  to  the  attention  of  gentle- 
men who  ar«  about  building  or  renovating  their  country  houses,  to  professional  architects, 
and  to  all  readers  of  discrimination,  who  wish  to  know  what  is  truly  eloquent  in  this  beau- 
tiful art,  and  to  cultivate  a  taste  worthy  to  cope  with  "judgment  of  wisest  censure." 

"  The  cost  of  such  establishments  is  carefully  considered,  no  less  than  the  comforts  they 
should  aftbrd,  the  display  they  can  (honestly)  pretend  to,  and  all  the  adjuncts  that  go  to 
complete  the  ideal  of  a  convenient  and  elegant  mansion."— ^'I  Y.  Mirror. 

"  It  is  extremely  practical,  containing  such  simple  and  comprehensive  directions  for  all 
■wishing  at  any  time  to  build,  being  in  fact  the  sum  of  the  author's  study  and  experience  as 
an  architect  for  many  years." — Albany  Spectator. 

"  Mr.  Wheeler  s  remarks  convey  much  practical  and  useful  information,  evince  good 
taste  and  a  proper  appreciation  of  the  beautiful,  and  no  one  should  build  a  rural  house 
without  first  hearing  what  he  has  to  recommend." — Philadelphia  PresbyteHan. 

"  Important  in  its  subject,  careful  and  ample  in  Its  details,  and  charmingly  atti'active  in 
Its  style.  It  gives  all  the  information  that  would  be  desired  as  to  the  selection  of  sites — 
the  choice  of  appropriate  styles,  the  particulars  of  plans,  materials,  fences,  gateways,  furni- 
ture, warming,  ventilation,  specifications,  contracts,  &a,  concluding  with  a  chapter  on  the 
intellectual  and  moral  effect  of  rural  architecture." — Hartford  EeligiouH  Herald. 

"A  book  very  much  needed,  for  it  teaches  people  how  to  build  comfortable,  sensible, 
beautiful  country  houses.  Its  conformity  to  common  sense,  as  well  as  to  the  sense  of 
beauty,  cannot  be  too  much  commended."'— ^V.  F.  Courier  &  Enquirer. 

"No  person  can  read  this  book  without  gaining  much  useful  knowledge,  and  it  will  be  a 
great  aid  to  those  wlio  intend  to  build  houses  for  their  own  use.  It  is  scientific  without 
being  so  interlarded  with  technical  terms  as  to  confuse  tlie  reader,  and  contains  all  the  in- 
formation necessary  to  build  a  house  from  the  cellar  to  the  ridge  pole.  It  is  a  parlor  book, 
or  a  book  for  the  workshop,  and  will  be  valuable  in  either  place." — Buffalo  Commercial. 

"  This  work  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  one  who  contemplates  building  for  himself 
a  home.  It  is  filled  with  beautifully  executed  elevations  and  plans  of  country  houses  from 
the  most  unpretending  cottage  to  the  villa.  Its  contents  are  simple  and  comprehensive, 
embracing  every  variety  of  house  usually  needed." — Lovcdl  Courier. 

"To  all  who  desire  a  delightful  rural  retreat  of  "lively  cottagely"  of  getting  a  fair  equiv- 
alent of  comfort  and  tastefulness,  for  a  moderate  outlay,  we  commend  the  Kural  Homes  of 
Mr.  Wheeler."— i^.  F.  Evening  Post 


NAPOLEON  AND  HIS  MARSHALS.    By  J.  T.  Headlet,  2  vols.  12mo.  cloth, 

gilt     Illustrated  with  12  Portraits,  $2  50.    25th  Thojsand. 

WASHINGTON  AND  HIS  GENERALS.  By  J.  T.  Headlet,  2  vols.  12mo,  cloth 
gilt.    .Illustrated  with  16  Portraits,  $2  50.    22d  Thousand. 

THE  SACRED  MOUNTAINS.    By  J.  T.  Heablet, 

Illusti-ated  with  12  engravings,  by  Burt,  with  designs  by  Lossing,  20th 

Thousand. 
I>o.  do.  do.,  12mo,  cloth,  gilt,  $1  25. 

SACRED  SCENES  AND  CHARACTERS.    By  J.  T.  Hladley, 

with  12  Illustrations.    Designed  by  Darley,  4th  Thonsand. 

Do.  do.  do.,  1  vol.  12mo.  cloth,  gilt,  $1  25. 

LETTERS    FROM    ITALY    AND    ALPS    AND    THE    RHINE.      By   J.    T. 

1Ieai>ley,  1  vol.  12mo.  cloth.    A  New  Edition.    Kevised  and  Enlarged.    With  a  Por- 
trait of  the  Author,  $1  13.    8th  Thousand. 

LIFE  OF  OLIVER  CROMWELL,  By  J.  T.  Headlet,  1  vol.  12mo.  cloth,  gilt, 
with  Portrait,  $1  25.    6th  Thousand. 

HEADLEY'3  MISCELLANIES.  Authorized  Edition,  1  vol.  12mo,  cloth,  $1.  2d 
Thousand. 

ADIRONDACK;  OR  LIFE  IN  THE  V/OODS.  ByJ.  T.  Headlet,  with  Origi- 
nal Designs  from  Gignoux,  Ingham,  Durand,  etc.,  1  vol.  12mo.  cloth,  $1  25.  4th  Thou- 
sand. 

SKETCHES  AND  RAMBLES.  By  J.  T.  Headlet,  1  vol.  12mo.  cloth,  75c.  2d 
Thousand. 

THE  IMPERIAL  GUARD  OF  NAPOLEON.  From  Marengo  to  Waterloo.  By 
J   T.  Headlet,  1  vol.  12mo.  with  Illustrations,  cloth,  $1  25.    Just  Published. 

J.  T.  HEADLEY'S  WORKS— Uniform  Edition,  12  vols.,  in  sheep,  for  Libraries  and 

District  Schools. 

"Mr.  Headley's  peculia.ii,:<^.s  as  an  author  are  universally  known.  He  is  one  of  the 
most  vigorous  and  spirit-stirring  w.'+ers  of  the  day,  especially  graphic  and  powerful  in 
narratives  of  exciting  events.  No  one  can  fail  to  get  from  his  descriptions  most  graphic, 
vivid,  and  lasting  impressions  of  the  scenes  of  which  he  speaks." — A']  Y.  Courier  and 
Fiiquirer. 

"  His  descriptions  are  graphic,  his  history  correct,  and  his  summing  up  character  scarcely 
Buffers  by  a  comparison  with  similar  pages  in  Tacitus." — J^.   Y.  Evening  Post. 

"  He  speaks  heartily,  earnestly,  truthfully ;  and  the  warm  heart  answers  to  his  voice."— 
N.  Y.  Observer, 

"  Each  one  of  his  Biographies  is  a  grand  historical  picture,  conveying  in  a  most  imp-res- 
sive  way,  a  true  idea  of  the  events  of  the  time." — Cinoinnati  Herald. 

"  Mr.  Hcadley  is  truly  eloquent  in  his  description  of  character.  He  presents  to  yow  tha 
strong  points  of  the  man  with  a  clearness  that  seems  to  place  him  before  you  as  an  old 
ftojnaintance." — Cleveland  Herald 

Whatever  critics  may  choose  to  say,  Mr.  H.  will  never  lack  readers.  The  stir  aod  fire 
of  his  descriptions  will  touch  a  popular  chord.  In  describing  the  battle  field  and  the 
tumultuous  stirring  hfe  of  the  camp,  Mr.  H.  is  -vvhat  Cooper  was  upon  the  8ea.~iV.  i 
EcangelisU 


LIVING  ORATORS  OF  AMERICA.    By  Eev.  E.  L,  Magoon.    1  vol.  12mo.,  -rith 
portraits.    Price,  $1  25. 

THE   ORATORS   OF  THE   AMERICAN    REVOLUTION.     By  Eev.  E.  L. 

Magoox.    1  ToL  12mo.,  ynth  portraits.    Price,  $1  25. 

Mr.  Magoon  is  a  decided  original  Botli  his  thoughts  and  bis  manner  of  expressing 
theni,  are  peculiar  and  striking. — Nl  Y.  Ecangelist. 

Mr.  Magoon,  who  is  a  vivid,  nervous  -writer,  has  thrown  a  charm  around  the  character 
of  the  men  whose  history  he  has  delineated,  that  will  cause  the  book  to  be  read  with  un- 
usual 'miere?,t.— Christian  Secretary. 

These  volumes  contain  exceedingly  clear  sketches  of  our  greatest  orators ;  so  arranged, 
contrasted  and  compared,  that  the  peculiar  powers  and  excellencies  of  each  are  set  before 
the  mind  in  a  strong  \i^\ii.—SprinQfield  Republican-, 

Every  American  will  read  these  works  with  national  pride,  and  have  his  better  feelings 
and  sentiments  enkindled  and  strengthened, —  Western  Literary  Messenger. 

THE  WOMEN  OF  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.    By  Mrs.  E.  F,  Ellot. 
3  vols.  12mo.,  with  portraits.    Price,  $3  50. 

The  work  fills  a  place  in  our  PLCvolutionary  history  that  would  scarcely  be  complete 
■without  it ;  indeed,  we  consider  it  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  contributions  that  have 
been  made  to  the  history  of  our  country  in  a  long  time. — Htmt's  Magazine. 

We  counsel  especially  the  young  women  of  our  country  to  lay  aside  their  novels,  at 
least  until  they  shall  have  read  "The  Women  of  the  Eevolution."  Those  of  them  who 
Lave  souls  will  find  it  replete  with  interest  and  instruction.— A",  r;  Tribxine. 

The  narratives  ere  brief,  spirited,  and  profoundly  interesting ;  especially  as  sho^ving  how 
tbo  toils,  the  privations  and  dangers  of  the  war,  made  themselves  felt,  perhaps  even  more 
keenly,  in  the  homes  than  on  the  battle-fields  of  the  Revolutionary  champions. — N.  Y. 
(Jommercial. 

TLe  authoress  has  succeeded  in  collecting  a  large  amount  of  new  and  important  facts, 
illustrative  of  the  heroism  evinced  in  action  and  suffering,  by  the  women  who  bore  tlicir 
part  in  the  Pevolution,  which  have  no  place  in  the  political  histories  of  the  time,  and 
have  been  derived  almost  entirely  from  private  sources. — N.  Y.  Journal  of  Commerce. 

The  rich  store  of  information  contained  in  these  volumes,  has  been  procured  at  the  cost 
of  much  and  laborious  research,  from  the  surviving  relatives  of  tlie  heroines,  scattered 
through  various  parts  of  the  Union.  Personal  recollections  have  been  recorded ,  family 
papers  and  letters  examined,  and  the  work  thus  made  a  faithful  and  vivid  exhibition  of  the 
domestic  scenes  of  the  war. — Charleston  Inquirer. 

The  conception  of  the  book  is  at  once  beautiful  and  patriotic,  and  its  execution  is 
worthy  of  its  subject,  and  worthy  of  the  reputation  of  its  gifted  authoress — Albany  Atki^ 

These  sketclies  are  of  thrilling  interest,  as  we  gather  from  a  hasty  glance  at  tlioir  pages. 
The  uorrntlvo  is  clear,  coJicise,  and  very  agreeably  written.— iV.  B.  Mercury. 


NAVAL   LIFE— THE   MIDSHIPMAN;  or  Observations  Afloat  and  Ashore.    By 
Lieut.  W.  F.  Lyncu,  autnor  of  "  Dead  Sea  Expedition."    1  vol.  12mo.    Price,  $L 

"The  style  is  spirited  and  commanding,  tbe  matter  of  tlie  most  exciting  character,  and 
the  deductions  often  drawn  from  incident  and  adventure  worthy  of  the  head  and  the  heai't 
of  the  author."— American  Spectator. 

"Amid  the  rollicking  and  exciting  scenes,  so  characteristic  of  a  life  on  the  ocean  wave' 
the  author  has  introduced  others  of  a  more  subdued  kind — passages  here  and  there  of 
touching  pathos — little  gushings  from  the  fount  of  a  chastened  and  sensitive  nature,  be- 
traying a  heart  susceptible  to  the  higher  and  better  feeUngs  that  adorn  and  dignify  man,'" 
—  Weekly  Eclectic. 

"  The  adventures  he  and  his  shipmates  met  with  in  various  quarters  of  the  globe,  are 
narrated  in  an  unpretending  style,  but  with  graphic  power.  Several  of  these  narrations 
are  of  exciting  interest,  and  they  so  closely  follow  each  other,  that  the  reader  will  find  it 
impossible  to  lay  down  the  book  until  he  has  reached  the  last  page." — Portland  Trail' 
$cript. 

"  This  is  a  delightful  matter-of-fact  volume,  for  which  we  predict  a  great  many  readers." 
— Christian  Intelligencer. 

"  It  is  a  work  which  does  credit  to  the  moral  and  literary  character  of  the  navy." — If. 
T.  Evangelist. 

"  It  is  well  written,  avoiding  coarseness  and  slang,  and  will  be  a  pleasant  companion  for 
the  winter  evenings." — Cincinnati  Herald. 

"  The  author  has  a  great  variety  of  experience,  and  he  has  made  out  of  it  not  only  an 
agi-eeable  but  instructive  book." — Albany  Argus. 

"  It  is  filled  with  lively  portraitures  of  naval  life,  and  must  be  read  with  interest  both 
by  seamen  and  landsmen." — IT.  Y.  Trihime. 

"  This  is  a  pleasing  book,  abundantly  teeming  with  the  thrilling  easnalties  of  '  hair- 
breadth 'scapes'  which  beset  the  paths  of  those  who  plough  the  enchafed  bosom  of  the 
deep,  and  is  strikingly  characterized  by  the  winning  graces  of  modesty  of  tone  and  a  re- 
fined simplicity  of  narration." —  Washington  Eepublic. 


ANNALS  OF  THE  QUEENS  OF  SPAIN.    By  Anita  Geoege.    2  vols.  12iiio. 

Price,  $2  50. 

♦*  Of  the  manner  in  which  she  has  performed  her  task,  it  is  enough  to  say  that  she  has 
won  the  distinguished  commendation  of  Wm.  H.  Prescott. ' — If.  Y.  Evangelist. 

"Mrs.  George  follows  steadily  the  highway  of  her  subject  without  diverging  to  any  by- 
paths of  speculation  and  illustration.  Her  object  appewrs  to  be,  to  give  as  much  informar 
tion  as  possible  in  small  compass,  in  which  she  succeeds." — Literary  World. 

"  The  authoress  has  worked  her  way  through  the  scattered  rubbish  of  the  past  and  pro- 
duced a  work  of  immediate  and  lasting  interest" — Bangor  Courier. 

"  The  work  is  written  in  a  clear  and  vivacious  style,  and  is  an  accession  to  the  popular 
literature."— Prai/'t^  Herald. 


N.  P.  WILLISES  SELECT  yOx^K3>  IN  UNIFORM  12110.  VOLS. 

RURAL  LETTERS.  AND  OTHER  RECORDS  OF  THOUGHTS  AT 
LEISURE9  embracing  Letters  from  under  a  Bridge,  Open  Air  Musings  in  the  City 
*'  Invalid  Eamble  in  Germany,"  "  Letters  from  Watering  Places,"  &c.,  &c.  1  voL 
Fourtli  Edition. 

*•  There  is  scarcely  a  page  in  it  in  which  the  reader  win  not  remember,  and  turn  to  again 
■with  a  fresh  sense  of  delight  It  bears  the  Imprint  of  nature  in  her  purest  and  most  joy- 
ous forms,  and  under  her  most  cheering  and  inspiring  influences." — Jif.  T.  Tribune. 

•*  If  we  would  show  how  a  modem  could  wi-ite  with  the  ease  of  Cowley,  most  gentle 
lover  of  nature's  gardens,  and  their  fitting  accessaries  from  life,  we  would  offer  tliis  volume 
as  the  besfproof  that  the  secret  has  not  yet  died  ouV— Literary  World. 

PEOPLE  I  HAVE  MET,  or  Pictures  of  Society  and  People  of  Mark— drawn  under  a 
thin  veil  of  fiction.    Bj  N.  P.  Willis.    1  voL,  12mo.    Third  Edition. 

**  It  is  a  collection  of  twenty  or  more  of  the  stories  which  have  blossomed  out  from  the 
summer  soil  of  the  author's  thoughts  -vvithin  the  last  few  years.  Each  word  in  some  of 
them  the  author  seems  to  have  picked  as  daintily,  for  its  richness  or  gi-ace,  or  its  fine  fit- 
ness to  his  purpose,  as  if  a  humming-bird  were  picking  upon  his  quivering  wing  the 
flower  whose  sweets  he  would  lovingly  rifle,  or  a  belle  were  culling  the  stoues  for  her 
bridal  necklace."— iV.  Y.  Independent. 

"The  book'embraces  a  great  variety  of  personal  and  social  sketches  in  the  Old  Worl3, 
and  concludes  with  some  thrilling  reminiscences  of  distinguished  ladies,  including  the 
Belles  of  New  York,  etc."— TA^  EepuUia. 

LIFE  HERE  AND  THERE,  or  Sketches  of  Society  and  Adventure  at  far-apart time* 
and  places.    By  N.  P.  Willis.    1  vol,  12mo. 

♦♦This  very  agreeable  volume  consists  of  sketches  of  life  and  adventure,  all  of  them,  the 
author  assures  us,  having  a  foundation  strictly  historical,  and  to  a  gi-eat  extent  autobiogra- 
phical. Such  of  these  sketches  as  we  have  read,  are  in  Mr.  Willis's,  happiest  vein— a  vein, 
by  the  way,  in  which  he  is  unsurpassed."— /Stortom's  Magazine. 

"Few  readers  who  take  up  this  pleasant  volume  will  lay  it  aside  until  they  have  perused 
every  line  of  its  contents." — Jersey  Journal: 

HURRYGRAPHS,  or  Sketches  of  Scenery,  Celebrities,  and  Society,  taken  from  Life 
By  N.  P.  Willis.    1  vol.,  12mo.   Third  Edition. 

"  Some  of  the  best  specimens  of  Mr.  Willis's  prose,  we  think,  are  herein  tvntained."— 
J\r.  T.  Eva/ngdist. 

"In  the  present  volume,  which  Is  filled  with  all  sorts  of  enticements,  we  prefer  the 
descriptions  of  nature  to  the  sketches  of  character,  and  the  dusty  road-side  grows  deliglit- 
fol  under  the  touches  of  Willis's  blossoming-dropping  pen;  and  when  we  come  to  the 
mountain  and  lake,  it  is  like  revelling  in  all  the  fragrant  odors  of  Paradise."— iJosto/i  AUaa, 

PENCILINGSBYTHE  WAY— A  New  and  Eeviscd  EdiUon.  By  N.  P.  WiLua 
1  vol.,  l-2m.o. 


